JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Stevan Rodriguez had a huge night with a game-high 20 points to go along with 13 rebounds, but Clarion fell 71-70 on the road to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown on Wednesday evening.

(Photo courtesy of Clarion University Athletics)

The Golden Eagles and the Mountain Cats battled back and forth all game long. Clarion clawed its way back from a nine-point deficit to take the lead 53-51 with 8:43 left in the second half off of a pair of good free throws by Rodriguez. The Golden Eagles built the lead to seven points before some solid shooting by Pitt-Johnstown sealed the deal.

Johnstown guard John Paul Kromka, the younger brother of former Golden Eagle Mike Kromka, proved clutch for the Mountain Cats, scoring eight of the last 12 points down the stretch to stamp the victory.

A foul by sophomore guard Khari Williams sent Mountain Cat guard Caiden Landis to the charity stripe for the one and one with just seven seconds remaining. After Landis missed the first free throw, Rodriguez grabbed the rebound and hit a three-pointer as time expired to make it 71-70.

Clarion falls to 3-7 on the season and 1-5 in PSAC play while Pitt-Johnstown improves their overall record to 9-3 and 4-1 in the PSAC.

Rodriguez knocked down 7 of 15 field goal attempts. Khari Williams and Elijah Cottrill each had 19 points on the day while Javontay Pipkin and Jonathan Williams each chipped in four points, while Pipkin had a game-high five assists. RJ Laugand dished off four dimes and added one block in 25 minutes of action.

As a team, the Golden Eagles shot well on the evening going 43 percent from the field including 6 of 19 from three-point range. They also knocked down 10 of 13 attempts from the free throw line.

Clarion’s short road trip will come to an end as they return home on Jan. 9 to host the visiting Seton Hill Griffins. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.