The last time the Clarion men’s basketball team won a home playoff game was in 1997, until now.

This past Tuesday the No. 2 seed Golden Eagles knocked off the No. 3 seed Lakers from Mercyhurst. This was no easy task though.

Before the game, the coaching staff and players knew they were going to have their hands full with Mercyhurst.

“They have 10 starters on their team,” said Coach Ron Righter. “They were able to hurt us inside with the height advantage they have on us.”

The Golden Eagles came out ready to play, but they were able to get another energy boost once they saw the crowd arriving for the game.

There were 1,600 fans there, all wearing white, ready to cheer on their team.

Both teams were able to get off to a quick start, exchanging baskets throughout the first half.

The Golden Eagles had their inside game working early with Paul McQueen getting a couple early baskets and Jamar Harrison and Shameel Carty able to slash into the middle and get their shots.

In contrast, Mercyhurst went to what has made them successful all year, and were able to drain three pointers at will.

The biggest lead any team had in the first half was a five-point lead by Mercyhurst three minutes and six seconds into the game.

Even though the game was close the entire first half, there was still a sense of Mercyhurst being in control.

With Clarion nursing a 36-32 lead with 1:28 remaining in the half, the Lakers went on a little 5-0 spurt, capped off by a three pointer by Jeremiah Wise to take a one point lead.

With six seconds remaining in the half, Lloyd Harrison picked up the loose ball after a missed shot, and in an easy lay-up gave Clarion a one point lead at the half.

“We knew we were playing well in the first half. Coach told us that as long as we keep playing tough defense, they will start missing their shots,” said Jamar Harrison.

Well the Lakers didn’t exactly cool down right away.

They were back at it in the second half, gaining the momentum back. With 10:49 remaining in the game, Merychurst took a five point advantage, 52-47.

With the crowd getting antsy, the Golden Eagles knew they would have to find something in them to make a comeback, and that they did.

Clarion was able to get a lay-up by Denzil Dennison sandwiched in between two lay-ups by Carty, to take a one point lead.

Like they had all game, Mercyhurst had an answer.

They went on a 5-0 run of their own to take a two point lead with 6:46 remaining in the game.

With 4:45 remaining in the game, Mercyhurst was in total control with a seven point lead, 62-55.

After a time-out, the Golden Eagles knew they needed to get something started soon or else their season would be over.

Carty took matters into his own hands and nailed Clarion’s lone three pointer of the game to cut the deficit to four.

“I felt like I had one in me,” said Carty. “I was out here practicing three hours before game time and I just knew I could make it.”

With just under four minutes to play, Jamar Harrison drove the lane and was able to hit his shot at the free throw line making it a one possession game.

After a dunk by Mercyhurst that put them up by three with 2:59 left, someone needed to step up big for Clarion.

The Golden Eagles found that player in McQueen. At 2:49 and 2:09 left in the game, McQueen made back to back layups, the latter giving the Golden Eagles the lead for good.

After a couple tough defensive stops, the Golden Eagles were able to go 7-8 from the free throw line in the final minute to secure the 76-69 victory.

“This was such an exciting win for us, especially since we are the first group to win a home playoff game in awhile,” said Carty. “We just want to make history, and that’s what we are doing.”

The Golden Eagles will continue their quest for history as they face Kutztown Friday night in the PSAC semifinals.

The semifinals are being played at East Stroudsburg University.