• Box Score

PAINESVILLE, Ohio (Nov. 22) – The California University of Pennsylvania men's basketball team struggled from the field in its season-opener, suffering a 50-46 loss against Lake Erie College at the Athletic Center Arena on Saturday.

Senior forward Julian Logan (Kalamazoo, Mich./Loy Norrix) registered a double-double for the Vulcans, posting team highs with 11 points and 10 rebounds (five offensive). Freshman forward Kelsey Williams (Sandusky, Ohio/Sandusky) and junior guard Jerial Nixon (Lorain, Ohio/Lorain Admiral King) each added nine points, while freshman guard Travon Vann (Frederick, Md./St. John's Catholic Prep) added eight points.

The Storm scored the first points of the game and lead throughout the contest by only single digits, as both teams shot below 35 percent from the floor. Cal U shot 28.4 percent (19-of-67) from the floor, including just 5.9 percent (1-of-17) from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Lake Erie made 33.3 percent (18-of-54) of its shots and just 17.6 percent (3-of-17) attempts from long distance.

The Vulcans trailed by as few as one point, 9-8, in the first half before the Storm scored seven of the final nine points in the opening 20 minutes to take a 26-17 halftime lead.

In the second half, Cal U trimmed a nine-point deficit to two points, 38-36, after scoring seven-straight points behind a three-point play (lay-up and free throw) by Nixon. The game remained close throughout the final minutes, as the Vulcans trailed just 43-41 with 2:59 remaining before The Storm scored six points to take an eight-point lead. Cal U still just trailed by five points with 10 seconds left before The Storm converted the back end of two free-throw attempts to seal the win.

Lake Erie held a slim 47-45 advantage on the glass, while Cal U posted a sizeable 32-20 edge in points in the paint. Both teams struggled with turnovers as the two squads combined for 38 turnovers.

The Vulcans return to action for their home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 25, when they host the University of Pittsburgh-Pitt Johnstown. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. at Hamer Hall.