CALIFORNIA, PA – Robert Smith (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) led five players in double figures with 21 points as visiting West Chester remained undefeated on the road with a 92-90 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) men's basketball victory over host California University of Pa., Saturday afternoon.
Cal U (6-3, 1-2) hit all seven of its free throws in the final 14 seconds to close to within one with just four seconds left. However, Smith knocked down one of two foul shots and Cal U's desperation 3-point attempt at the buzzer was too strong off the iron.
West Chester (7-2, 2-2) improved to 4-0 away from Hollinger Fieldhouse with its fifth straight triumph over the Vulcans. WCU hasn't had a setback against Cal since the 2013-14 campaign.
The Golden Rams seemed to have the game wrapped up with 14 seconds left and leading by eight (91-83). But, Cal U's Phillip Alston (game-high 29 points) nailed a pair of free throws that made it 91-85. Following a WCU turnover, Cal U's Preston Boswell (14 points), converted all three free throws after being fouled behind the arc. That put the score at 91-88.
The Vulcans forced another turnover on the inbounds, and Boswell was again fouled underneath. He was good on both of those attempts as well to pull the hosts to within a point at 91-90.
The Golden Rams got the inbounds pass to Smith, who was immediately fouled with four seconds left. He made one of his two attempts, before Cal U's D.J. Slaughter missed a 3-point attempt as time expired.
Cam Polak (Munhall, Pa./Steel Valley) and Eli Barrett (Harrisburg, Pa./Harrisburg) each contributed 12 points off the bench for the Golden Rams. Polak, who hails from Western PA, was coming off a career-high 23-point effort during the week at Seton Hill. He has 35 points in the Rams' two games out west so far.
Dame Wall (Philadelphia, Pa./Constitution) added 10 points off the bench as well. West Chester's bench outscored Cal U's 46-16 in the win.
Matt Dade (Collegeville, Pa./Episcopal) was the only other starter in double figures with 14. He posted his fourth double-double of the season with a team-best 13 rebounds.
Cal U put five players in double figures on Saturday as well. However, only one other player registered points. The Vulcans used just seven players in the contest.
West Chester concludes its three-game western swing and its 2021 slate on Sunday at Slippery Rock with a 3 p.m. tilt.
