Jan 28, 2007 By Adam Gretz For The 3 min read

INDIANA – The California University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team won its ninth game in a row Saturday as it smothered the host Crimson Hawks of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 74-63, in a PSAC West match-up. John Owens, James Petty and Osborne Gardner spearheaded another strong Vulcan defensive performance as they held Indiana to only 46 field goal attempts.

“It was important for us to make them work for every single basket and shot,” coach Bill Brown said. “We knew coming in they like to shoot the 3-pointer and we wanted to press out on that and take it away from them as much as possible.”

The Crimson Hawks managed to shoot an impressive 52 percent from the field, but because of the Vulcans relentless defense and rebounding, it would not be enough to keep them in the game.

California began to pull away in the first half when the Vulcans went on a 14-2 run to give them a 28-15 lead with 6:02 remaining. Indiana cut the deficit to six points before Theron Colao hit his second 3-pointer of the half to push the lead back to nine.

Colao finished the day with 16 points and matched his career best with three 3-pointers. He also set new career highs with five assists and two blocks.

Gardner led the way with a game high 10 rebounds – seven of them offensive – as the Vulcans managed to out rebound the Crimson Hawks, 39-29.

“Physically we knew we were going to have a size advantage,” Brown said. “I thought once again guys like Petty and Hairston did a really good job taking care of things out there and as a team we played really well defensively. I’m proud of the way we played.”

Gardner also chipped in 13 points to register his second double-double of the season. Petty and Ron Banks rounded out the list of Vulcan scoring leaders as they combined for 28 points.

Connellsville High School graduate James Hairston registered a steal on the day, while Belle Vernon native and Geibel Catholic graduate Rob Ramsey recorded an assist in the victory.

The win improves California to 15-3 overall and 4-0 in the PSAC West while Indiana drops to 2-2 in the conference and 4-12 overall. California returns home on Monday night to take on Slippery Rock.

“The most important thing is we got out of here with a win,” Brown said. “I think IUP is getting better and it’s kind of a transition period for them right now. Coach Lombardi is doing a good job turning them around.”