Clarion guard Lloyd Harrison makes a move past an Edinboro defender in Saturday’s game at Tippin Gym. The Eagles won the contest in a score of 82-64. (Caitlin McGill / The Clarion Call)
For the first time since the 2003 season, the Clarion Golden Eagles have started 5-1 in the PSAC-West conference. This past Saturday, the Golden Eagles made easy work of Edinboro (8-11, 2-4), with a convincing 82-64 win.
After playing in nail biters the last three games, winning by three, three, and two points respectively, both the players and coaches needed a convincing, relaxing win like this.
After starting the game out slow, the Golden Eagles only held a three point lead seven minutes into the game against the upset-minded Fighting Scots. After a time-out taken by Edinboro, Clarion slowly started to build a big lead, getting contributions from everyone on the team.
With eight minutes remaining in the half, Jamar Harrison gave the crowd what they have been looking for with one of his signature dunks, giving Clarion a 30-16 lead.
The Golden Eagle ended the half on a 25-12 run in the final 10 minutes to take a 44-28 lead into the locker room. Clarion was an astonishing 11-14 from the free throw line in the first half. Just like the start of the game, the start of the second half was a little shaky for the Golden Eagles.
Six minutes into the second half, the Fighting Scots cut their deficit to seven, 52-45.
This would be as close as they would get for the rest of the game. Clarion was able to push their lead to double digits again with a mix of scoring in the paint, from the free throw line, and a few three-pointers from sharpshooter Mike Sherry.
“I have gotten use to be covered closely, and I am learning how to get more open now,” stated Sherry.
Both Clarion and Edinboro exchanged baskets for most of the second half before the Golden Eagles went on a late 10-1 run to close out the game.
“I like how we withstood a rally by Edinboro that cut our lead to seven. That starts with our point guard. Lloyd really stepped in and helped everyone regain their composure and confidence,” stated Coach Ron Righter.
Sherry has improved his play the past couple of games, recording his season high 19 points on seven of 11 shooting, and four of six from beyond the arc.
Lloyd Harrison continued his consistent point guard play, recording his 12 straight double digit performance with 17 points, including 11 of those coming from the free throw line.
“The team trust me to take good shots, and with everyone else getting open like Mike and Shameel, it opens up the lanes for me,” stated Harrison.
After Saturday’s game Mike Sherry commented on what they wanted to accomplish in last night’s matchup.
“In order to play for first place on Saturday, we have to be able to beat Lock Haven this Wednesday, making it a much bigger game for us then Saturday,” stated Sherry.
The Golden Eagles did what they set out to do when Lloyd Harrison hit a 3-pointer with 1:31 left in overtime and then converted two clutch free throws with 17 seconds left to lift the Clarion University men’s basketball team to an 84-81 win at Lock Haven in PSAC-West men’s action last night.
This upcoming Saturday Clarion will host Indiana University of Pennsylvania for first place in the PSAC-West on the line.
