Slippery Rock University men’s basketball secured a crucial 83-72 victory over Clarion University on Senior Night, bringing their record to 13-13 overall and 9-9 in the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference).
The win was fueled by a standout performance from Day Waters, who scored 23 points, including a buzzer-beater three-pointer to close the first half.
With the win, and some help from California University (Pa.), SRU clinched a spot in the PSAC Tournament for the 14th time in the last 16 seasons.
Clarion started the game strong, with Gavin Cote knocking down a long two-pointer to open the scoring. He stayed hot from beyond the arc, finishing the first half with four three-pointers and 14 points. Jeremy Thomas II added 13 points in the first half, helping Clarion build momentum.
Slippery Rock responded with three by Waters and a 15-2 run midway through the first half, and took the lead at 21-15 with 10:26 remaining in the half.
SRU capitalized on free throws, shooting 16-for-18 from the line in the first half. Waters drained a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Rock a 42-40 advantage at halftime.
Waters continued his dominance in the second half, sparking a 10-point lead for Slippery Rock with 12 minutes remaining. Michael Moore threw down a put-back dunk to extend the lead back to double digits at the 11-minute mark. A three-pointer from Waters moments later forced Clarion to call a timeout.
The Golden Eagles attempted to rally, implementing a full-court press, but Slippery Rock’s offense proved too efficient. A crucial block from Moore slowed down a Clarion fast break, and Luke Howes extended the lead to 10 with two free throws at 2:45 left.
O’Meech Wilson delivered a momentum-shifting dunk late, though Clarion responded with a three to trim the lead to six with two minutes left.
Slippery Rock was led by Waters’ 23 points, while Jomo Goings recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, hitting all seven of his free-throw attempts. Cote led Clarion with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Thomas II added 16 points and 11 boards.
Slippery Rock will now hit the road for its final two regular-season games, beginning with a matchup against rival IUP Saturday at 3 p.m.
