The Clarion men’s basketball team was set to face the number six ranked Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks (18-2, 7-1) Saturday night in a first place showdown in the PSAC West.

However, due to the snow storm in the area, the game was postponed until Sunday afternoon.
“The extra day gave us a chance to make sure we had our game plan together and an extra day of practice,” Jamar Harrison said.

The change in schedule did not affect the 1,100 fans that came out to cheer on their Golden Eagles in a 71-62 win, to come to a first-place tie with IUP.

“The crowd was a big factor. I believe they were starting to get into IUP’s head. This win put our program on the map. It opened a lot of eyes and showed everyone that Clarion is no joke,” Shameel Carty said.

IUP got off to a quick start hitting on 58.6 percent of their shots. Even with their hot shooting, the Crimson Hawks were unable to get a lead bigger than seven points.

Every time IUP would go on a scoring run, Clarion responded with a run of its own, and lifted the crowd back into the game.

The teams were going back and forth exchanging baskets until the three minute mark in the first half, where the Crimson Hawks went out to a seven-point lead, 36-29.

With only three minutes remaining in the half, it looked like IUP would be comfortable with keeping this lead going into the half. The Golden Eagles were not going to let that happen.

Two free throws by Carty and a layup by Jamar Harrison cut the deficit to 36-33 before IUP pushed the lead back up to five with a basket of their own.

With 29 seconds left before the half, freshman guard Jordan Lessane hit a deep three pointer to cut the Crimson Hawks lead to two at the half.

The game stayed close all throughout the second half, with both teams taking the lead numerous times and a number of ties as well.

Jamar Harrison delivered the highlight reel play of the game with his one-handed slam a minute and a half into the second half.

“It got the crowd into the game and we were able to feed off the crowd,” Harrison said. With 11:42 remaining in the game, Clarion took its first lead at 48-47 on a jumper by Jamar Harrison.

That lead would only last 16 seconds as Ashton Smith came down and drilled a three-point shot on IUP’s next possession.

Both Jamar Harrison and Carty would make a couple of free throws on back-to-back possessions to increase the Clarion lead to 54-50.

The Golden Eagles would not trail for the rest of the game. Lloyd Harrison once again came up clutch going 4-4 from the free throw line in the final minute to seal the victory.

Jamar Harrison led the Golden Eagles with 19 points. Carty continued his hot play off the bench with 17 points, including 9-11 from the free throw line.

“I believe I give the team an energy boost off the bench and they feel comfortable with me there,” said Carty. Also in double figures were Lloyd Harrison with 14 points and Paul McQueen chipped in with 11 points.

Clarion’s next game has been postponed until tonight against California University of Pennsylvania due to the snow storm in the area.

Come out for our second straight White Out and support the Golden Eagles. Students get in free with a student ID.