Barrett’s buzzer-beating layup sends Cal to win
JOHNSTOWN – Seairra Barrett’s layup at the buzzer sent California to a 65-63 victory over Pitt-Johnstown in the Vulcans’ first PSAC victory since winning the NCAA Division II National Champoinship.
The Mountain Cats (0-1, 1-2) tied the score 63-63 with 28 seconds remaining when Jasmine Harper caught an inbounds pass and made a layup. The Vulcans (1-0, 2-1) called a timeout before Paige Wright missed a three-pointer, but Barrett grabbed the rebound and her putback at the buzzer gave California the win.
Barrett, a sophomore forward, had 15 points with a team-high 11 rebounds. Cal junior guard Miki Glenn scored a game-high 23 points with six rebounds and seven assists.
UPJ led by nine points midway through the first quarter, but the Vulcans stormed back to take a seven-point lead at the half. They led by 10 after the third quarter, but the Mountain Cats’ 12-2 run tied the score with 4:32 remaining. The two teams traded baskets and Glenn’s layup with under two minutes remaining gave the Vulcans the 63-61 lead.
Cal shot 44.1 percent from the field, outrebounded UPJ 40-31 and scored 14 points off 12 turnovers. The Mountain Cats were led by Harper, who had 21 points with six rebounds. The Vulcans made 12 of 16 free throws and overcame 17 turnovers.