CALIFORNIA, Pa.- The Mercyhurst men's basketball team won, 60-55, at California (Pa.) Wednesday night. Damon Jones and Gerrae Williams each scored 18 points to lead the Lakers past the Vulcans in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division opener at the Convocation Center.
 
After falling behind in the first half, Mercyhurst rallied to pick up its fourth straight win against Cal. Williams hit a three-pointer at the 9:47 mark in the second frame, giving the Lakers their first lead of the night at 43-42. Arman Marks answered with a free throw to even the score with 8:42 to play.
 
An Andy Hoying steal led to two Paris Bennett foul shots as Mercyhurst went ahead, 45-43, with 7:36 remaining. After a Cal free throw, Williams sank a jumper and then drained a trey while being fouled to make it 51-44 following the foul shot with 6:33 to go. Jean Onana made a steal and assisted on Williams' four-point play.
 
The hosts came back with a pair of free throws and a bucket, but Jones responded with two free throws of his own. James Ewing grabbed two offensive rebounds and eventually hit a layup for a 55-48 advantage with 4:20 left. The Vulcans then made two foul shots. Williams split a pair at the line and then Cal sank two to pull within four in the final 90 seconds.
 
Nick Miller made a three to get Cal down, 56-55, with 50 seconds remaining. After a Laker turnover, the Vulcans had a look to take the lead, but Mercyhurst made a stop and Jones pulled down the rebound. He nailed two free throws with three seconds showing on the clock. Jones then stole the ball on a last-second try by Cal. He sealed the decision with two more foul shots.
 
Jones scored 18 points, hitting 10-13 free throws on the night. He added five boards. Williams put up 18 points, tallying four three-pointers. Ewing added six points and nine rebounds, while Bennett contributed six points and six boards.
 
The Lakers outscored Cal, 24-14, in the paint and held a 25-15 advantage in points off turnovers.

Coach Gary Manchel has now guided the Lakers to wins in in their last four outings with the Vulcans. Mercyhurst won all three meetings last season, including a 54-50 win in the PSAC Tournament.
 
Mercyhurst (1-2, 1-0 PSAC) hosts rival Gannon (1-2, 1-0 PSAC) on Saturday, November 22, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The 2014-15 home opener is slated for a 3 p.m. tip-off.