SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Shippensburg University men's basketball team closed the first half on a 20-5 run Saturday and never trailed as it won its third consecutive league contest, dispatching the California (Pa.) Vulcans by an 84-59 score in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) matchup from Heiges Field House.
 
Shippensburg (7-2, 4-1 PSAC) out-rebounded California (5-4, 2-3) by a 48-28 margin – its largest advantage in more than two years, while committing just eight turnovers. SU limited the Vulcans to just four offensive rebounds, four second-chance points, and two points off turnovers. Offensively, Shippensburg made 10 three-pointers; the Raiders have made at least nine three-pointers in all nine games this season.
 
Senior All-American Dustin Sleva had achieved his seventh double-double of the season by halftime. Sleva finished with 25 points (10-of-19 shooting, 4-of-9 from three-point range), 13 rebounds and four assists. At the 5:05 mark of the first half, Sleva had scored as many points (17) as the entire Vulcan team to that point.
 
Senior Justin McCarthur had another outstanding offensive effort with 18 points, making 3-of-6 from three-point range, to go along with three assists, three rebounds and zero turnovers. Junior Antonio Kellem added nine points, all in the second half, making 2-of-3 from three-point range.
 
Sophomore John Castello did not miss from two-point range, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds. Castello was 7-of-11 overall, including 1-of-5 from three-point range. Off the bench, junior Joe Marshall had a strong game with a season-high eight points, including a pair of offensive rebounds.
 
With 6:48 left in the opening half, Shippensburg led 24-16. The Raiders then used the aforementioned 20-5 run to lead 44-21 at halftime, holding Cal scoreless for the final 3:20 of the opening half. SU led by at least 18 points for the entire second half, even leading by as many as 28 points with 9:33 remaining.
 
The 25-point margin of victory was SU's largest of the season. Cal, who entered Saturday averaging 90 points per game, finished with a season low in scoring despite getting 21 points from Jahmere Howze and 14 points from Isaiah Lewis.
 
Other Raiders who contributed to Saturday's effort included sophomore Na'Quan Council, who made his debut with four points, two assists and two rebounds. Freshman Jake Biss had three points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal, while  sophomore Lamar Talley had four rebounds.
 
Shippensburg hosts Division III opponent Wilson at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19 from Heiges Field House.