Box Score
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: California Holds Off Mansfield

CALIFORNIA, PA – Charles Pemberton and Joe Bell each recorded double-doubles but Mansfield faded in the second half in suffering a 86-74 setback at California (PA) in a PSAC crossover contest Wednesday night.

Mansfield held a slim lead for much of the first half, taking a 24-20 advantage with just under five minutes remaining in the first half on a layup by Charles Becoats. It marked the senior's first action since Dec. 7.

But Cal rallied, using a 11-3 run to take a 31-27 lead into intermission.

Mansfield closed the gap to 33-32 on a free throw by Xavier Warner ninety seconds into the second half and the Mountaineers regained the lead two minutes later at 36-35 on a layup by Bell.

A Pemberton layup gave Mansfield a 38-35 advantage moments later before California responded with an 8-0 run to forge a 43-38 lead on a jumper from Arman Marks.

Cal continued to slowly pull away, taking the first double-digit lead of the night when Tynell Fortune nailed a 3-pointer for a 62-52 lead with just under five minutes to play.

Mansfield didn't retreat.

A Pemberton jumper with 1:54 remaining cut the lead to 74-66 and a jumper by Bell with 73 seconds left gave put Mansfield down by seven points a 77-70.

Bell closed the gap to 78-72 on a layup fifteen seconds later but Cal connected on four free throws to hold on for the win.
Mansfield outrebounded Cal 41-33 but the Mountaineers shot 16% (2-12) from beyond the arch. Cal made 28-38 from the free throw line to Mansfield's 14-25.

Pemberton scored a game and season-high 23 points while pulling down a game-high 13 rebounds. It was his second straight double-double and fourth of the season. Bell also recorded his fourth double-double of the year scoring 19 points with 11 boards. Becoats gave the Mountaineers a much need lift with 12 points, hitting both Mansfield's 3-pointers in the game. Xavier Warner added 10 points, scoring in double-figures in four of his last five games.

California (6-8) had five players in double-figures led by Jake Jacubec with 19 points.

The game was the final non-divisional contest of the season for the Mountaineers who host PSAC East rival Millersville this Saturday.