Once again, Union is the team to beat
California comes full circle COAL CENTER – Single-elimination tournaments such as the WPIAL’s leave little room for error.
Win, and three nights later you play again.
Lose, and months could pass before your team sees action.
California has tasted both worlds, winning first- and quarterfinal-round WPIAL Class A games before losing, 58-55, to Union, the eventual titleholder. The Trojans, bounced prematurely from the WPIALs, then took a week off before going out and winning twice in PIAA action.
Those victories have brought California full circle. The Trojans meet Union tonight, at 6:30, at Robert Morris University for a spot in the state’s final four.
And, yes, payback has definitely crossed a few minds.
“We felt we could have beat them,” said senior forward Rick Cope. “But we didn’t play well. We’re looking forward to meeting them again.”
Union (18-10) started and ended the first meeting hot, taking a 9-2 lead on the strength of two Jeff Nero three-pointers, then winning the game with three free throws in the final 47.8 seconds.
The WPIAL semifinal featured eight ties, eight lead changes and six players – three on each side – in double figures.
The loss is the lone blemish on California’s postseason record, which is now 4-1 after PIAA wins over Southern Fulton and Clarion. The Trojans (21-6) eked out a two-point win over Southern Fulton a week ago, then turned a four-point halftime deficit into a 19-point victory Tuesday night over Clarion.
But soon after trouncing Clarion, Luko and his players were talking rematch.
“I feel if we play our game, which is running our offense patiently, and playing tough defense, we can play with anybody,” Luko said. “We had a lot of turnovers the first time we played Union. We didn’t execute well. You can’t play like that against a good team.”
Union, seeded 12th in the WPIAL tournament, defeated St. Joseph, Monaca, California and Clairton to capture the title, then picked up PIAA wins over Conemaugh Valley and West Middlesex.