ERIE, Pa. - Gannon fans will get its first look at its new league Tuesday night in the championship game of the 35th annual Porreco Cup. The Golden Knights used unbelievable defensive pressure in the first 20 minutes to open a 42-17 halftime lead and coasted to an 80-55 victory over Caldwell (N.J.) Monday evening in the Porreco Cup semifinals at the Hammermill Center.

The victory set up a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) showdown in the finals as Shippensburg posted a 69-50 victory over Seton Hill in Monday's opener. The Red Raiders improved to 7-1 with the victory.

Gannon continued its trend of opening games with tremendous defensive pressure Monday evening, scoring 23 of its first 29 points off turnovers. The Golden Knights led 11-1 before Malcolm Austin's three-pointer with 13:18 remaining in the half account for Caldwell's first field goal. The Cougars went 0-4 from the field with four turnovers in the first six minutes and 41 seconds. Four different Golden Knights scored during the opening 11-1 run, capped by three consecutive baskets from Pierre Howard (Chicago, Ill./Bloom).

The home squad then used a 14-1 blitz midway through the half to assume complete control at 29-7 on Howard's put-back with 6:10 showing on the clock. Kyle Goldcamp (Pittsburgh, Pa./Central Catholic) scored six consecutive points, before Howard capped the run again with the final four markers. Tyler Stoczynski's (Erie, Pa./McDowell) two free throws with no time left on the clock sent the Golden Knights into halftime with their largest lead of the first 20 minutes at 42-17.

Gannon rolled off nine consecutive points during the early stages of the second half to assume its largest lead of the evening, 55-23 with 14:03 to play. Caldwell was never able to climb closer than 21 points the rest of the way.

Howard, who looks to be aiming for his second consecutive Porreco Cup MVP award, led the way with 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists. The senior extended his streak of double-digit performances to seven games.

Goldcamp also reached double digits for the 12th consecutive game dating back to last season, finishing with 17 points. He added seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Joe Lindsey (Spring Valley, N.Y./Spring Valley) controlled the point with 15 points and only one turnover in 31 minutes.

Gannon shot 50 percent (31-62) from the floor for the sixth consecutive game. The Golden Knights shot 50 percent (7-14) from three-point range and 64.7 percent (11-17) from the free throw line.
Austin led Caldwell's offensive unit with 22 points off the bench, hitting 7-of-12 shots and 4-of-7 three-point attempts. The Cougars shot 36.2 percent (17-47) from the floor, 35.3 percent (6-17) from behind the arc, and 62.5 percent (15-24) from the charity stripe.

Gannon, ranked No. 4 in NCAA Division II, improved to 7-0 for the first time since the 2002-03 squad won its first eight contests. The Golden Knights won their 17th consecutive home game, won their 28th consecutive contest when leading at halftime, and out-rebounded their opponent for the 22nd consecutive game. Caldwell dropped to 5-6.

Tuesday's championship game pits Gannon (7-0) and Shippensburg (7-1) at 8 p.m. Seton Hill (1-6) and Caldwell (5-6) battle in the consolation game at 6 p.m.

For a complete box score from Monday's Gannon-Caldwell men's basketball game, please click here.

For a complete box score from Monday's Shippensburg-Seton Hill men's basketball game, please click here.