Box Score

CALIFORNIA, Pa. - The Shippensburg men's basketball team closed out its mandated Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) crossover schedule by renewing its rivalry with the Vulcans of California (Pa.) University on Sunday afternoon and led with 10 minutes to play but could not hold on down the stretch, dropping a 70-60 decision from Hamer Hall.

Shippensburg (8-5) started out with spectacular defense against the Vulcans, limiting California to 25 percent shooting in the first half. Though the first nine minutes of the game, the Raiders held the home team to just three points and led 11-3 at the 10:59 mark.

The two teams exchanged leads into the start of the second half, as Shippensburg overcame a two-point halftime deficit to take a two-point lead with 10:15 to play.

California (7-5) thrived on the offensive glass with 17 offensive rebounds and also closed clutch from the free-throw line down the stretch, converting their final eight attempts over the final two minutes. Julian Logan provided 14 points off the bench and was an all-around threat with two rebounds, two assists and one steals. Jesse Brooks totaled 13 points, including 11 in the second half while Jerial Nixon added 11.

Offensively for the Raiders, red-shirt junior center Derrick Graff led Shippensburg with 14 points to go along with six rebounds. Graduate guard Ryan Kraft added 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the field.

A lay-up from Graff tied the score at 46-46 with 7:49 to play. California countered with six consecutive points, but a 3-pointer in the corner from sophomore guard Justin Minter off an assist from junior guard Stephon Draper brought the score to 52-49 at the 4:06 mark. Brooks responded with a 3-pointer at the other end that rattled around the rim and dropped to bring the lead back to six points.

After a free throw from Draper, a decisive possession helped California gain momentum down the stretch. Brooks erratically drove to the hoop but converted a jump shot while being fouled, and a technical foul was called on Shippensburg during the stoppage. After a Raider turnover, the Vulcans stretched the lead to 10 points with 2:26 to play.

Two of Shippensburg's key reserves had excellent performances and posted double figures off the bench. Red-shirt freshman guard Lamar Drayton was 4-of-8 from the field and totaled 12 points, three assists and two steals without committing a turnover. Junior post player Daziah Miller added 11 points and five rebounds along with two assists.

Shippensburg will open its conference schedule on Wednesday, when the team travels to take on Mansfield in PSAC Eastern Division play. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.