The Shippensburg University Men's Basketball team used a 12-2 run in the final minutes of the second half to score an exciting comeback win over the California (Pa.) Vulcans in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) crossover matchup Friday at Heiges Field House, 77-73.
 
Shippensburg (3-3, 1-0 PSAC) senior Carlos Carter came to life down the stretch, igniting the decisive run with a block that led to a vicious slam dunk, which gave the Raiders the lead for good with 2:57 remaining. Carter finished his tremendous all-around performance with 14 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks.
 
California (Pa.) (3-4, 0-1 PSAC) kept the Raiders at arm's length for much of the game thanks to outstanding three-point shooting. The Vulcans converted from beyond the arch at a 46.7 percent clip (7-of-15) in the first half, only to cool off in the final minutes – which helped open the door for the Ship comeback.
 
A Ship turnover coming out of a timeout led to a three point make from Cal sharpshooter Cam Polak that provided the visitors a double-digit advantage, 53-43, with 13:52 left in the second half.
 
The Raiders were able to answer Cal's hot shooting by going to their bench. Freshmen guards Timmy Connor and Trey Martin were able to trim the deficit with timely second half threes, with Martin's trey making it a manageable four-point game, 65-61, with still plenty of time remaining.
 
It was the team's veterans, however, that took over the game late, with Carter, graduate Dom Sleva, redshirt senior Rashon Johnson scoring buckets during that key 12-2 run.
 
After Carter's slam gave the Raiders the lead, Johnson followed with back-to-back baskets, a layup off a Carter assist and a putback off of a missed three-point attempt to extend the Shippensburg lead to three, 73-70.
 
On the other end, Polak's three-point attempt rattled out, forcing the Vulcans to foul. The Raiders, who shot 85.7 percent from the stripe for the game, converted their next four attempts to salt away the comeback victory.
 
Johnson and Sleva both posted double-doubles. Johnson netted a season-high 26 points to go along with 14 rebounds. Sleva finished with 14 points and 10 boards – his fifth double-double in six games so far this season.
 
All five California (Pa.) starters reached double figures, led by Polak, who finished with 23 points on 5-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc. KJ McClurg (14 points), DJ Slaughter (13 points), Jermaine Hall, Jr. (12) and Keith Palek III (10 points) rounded out the double figure scorers Friday.
 
The Raiders are back in action when they host Slippery Rock (6-0) Saturday. Tip-off from Heiges Field House is slated for 7:30 p.m.