Cal men advance in Eastern Regional
For the last few years, California University of Pa. has been known as a powerhouse in women’s NCAA Division II basketball, highlighted in 2004 with the Vulcans’ memorable national title. However, this year the men are showing that they have some considerable talents as well. Those talents carried the Vulcans through a successful regular season and into the NCAA Division II tournament.
California made sure that it wouldn’t be a quick one-and-done Saturday, thanks in large part to a balanced scoring attack which featured four Vulcans in double digits, knocking off West Liberty (W.Va.) State, 82-79, in overtime.
The victory moved California (24-6) into the semifinals against PSAC tournament champion Millersville, an 89-85 winner over Mount Olive. The game tips off at 5 p.m.
After a hard-fought first half, the Hilltoppers (25-5) found themselves ahead by two. However, California fought back in the second half to tie the game at 69-69 at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Cal scored the opening basket thanks to Gardner and never looked back.
There were four lead changes and five ties in the back-and-forth contest. Ironically, once the game reached overtime, California led the entire time.
Leading the way for the Vulcans was the inside-outside duo of Osborne Gardner and James Petty. Both players poured in 20 points apiece, while Petty pulled down a team-high seven rebounds and Gardner ripped down six.
Also having solid scoring nights for California were guard Corey McDuffie, who tacked on 16, forward Ron Banks, who added 14, and Connellsville’s James Hairston, who finished with nine.
West Liberty State was led by forward Shane Maynard, who scored a team-high 17 points. Guard Corey McDuffie added 16 points in the losing effort.
Also putting together solid outings for the Hilltoppers were Dan Binggeli, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists, and Chris Blair, who also put up a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.