SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Despite the first career double-double for freshman guard Justin Minter, the Shippensburg University men's basketball team could not withstand the attack of California (Pa.), dropping a 69-57 decision on Wednesday inside Heiges Field House.

The seesaw contest was tied eight times and the teams exchanged the lead eight times.

Shippensburg (6-12, 0-3 PSAC West) was tied 51-51 with California at the 9:20 mark of the second half. The Vulcans, however, closed out the contest by scoring 14 consecutive points and finishing with an 18-6 run to outlast the Red Raiders, who made just 9-of-25 from the field in the second half.

Minter's 11 points and career-high 10 rebounds mark the fourth time in six games that the freshman has scored in double figures. He has scored at least nine points in each of his last six games and is averaging 10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds over that span.

Along with Minter, red-shirt sophomore center Derrick Graff was one of four Red Raiders in double figures, totaling 10 points to go along with seven rebounds. Graff has now scored in double figures in eight of his last nine games.

Senior guard Alex Jones delivered double digits for the third straight game, totaling 11 points to go along with four rebounds and five assists. Red-shirt junior guard Ryan Kraft added 14 points and four rebounds.

The Red Raiders were able to hold the lead for a majority of the final six minutes of the first half, as Shippensburg was able to reverse a six-point deficit and lead by as many as five points before halftime.

Turnovers ultimately doomed the Red Raiders, however, as California was able to record 18 points off nine second-half turnovers. Seven of the Shippensburg's nine second-half turnovers came in the decisive run for California over the final nine minutes.

The Vulcans (11-4, 2-0 PSAC West) were guided from the field by Jesse Brooks who led three players in double figures with 15 points. Ali Mbaye added a game-high 12 rebounds.

Shippensburg returns to action this Saturday when it begins a five-game road trip at Clarion. Game time from Tippin Gymnasium is set for 3:00 p.m., with the game being broadcast live on Shippensburg University student radio station WSYC 88.7 FM and on the internet at raiders.ship.edu.

- Red Raider Basketball -