Seton Hill began play in the PSAC Postseason with a matchup at fourth seed California (PA) on Monday evening.
California pulled away in the second half as they ended the Griffin season with an 84-69 loss. SHU finishes the season with a 16-13 record.
The Griffins got off to a fast start behind nine early points from
Drew Green as the Griffins led 11-6. Back to back threes from
James Rice and
Sean Dillon extended the lead to 17-11 at the under sixteen media timeout with 14:46 to play. California battled back to tie the score at 17 before Dillon put the Griffins back in front with a driving layup. Cal then answered with a quick 5-2 run as they took a 22-21 lead at the 10:28 mark.
Back to back baskets from
Michael Joiner and
Caleb Whitaker put the Griffins in front 25-24 with 7:44 to.play in the half. Layups from
Samuel Tabe and Whitaker gave SHU a 31-26 lead but the Vulcans scored six straight to take a 32-31 lead with 3:42 to play in the half. A Tabe jumper gave SHU the lead back but five straight from the Vulcans forced a SHU timeout with the Griffins trailing 37-33 with 2:16 left. Cal took a 39-35 lead into the halftime break.
The Vulcans opened the second half on a 9-2 run forcing a SHU timeout with the Griffins trailing 48-37 with seventeen minutes to play. SHU then went on a 12-2 run with five points from
Gabe Gillespie as they cut the lead to 50-49 with 13:10 left. Cal took a 58-53 lead midway through the half.
The Vulcans then went on a 14-5 lead as they extended their lead to 72-60 at the under four media timeout. The Vulcans held that lead for the victory.
Tabe posted a double double of 21 points and 15 rebounds. Green finished with 13 points.