ERIE, Pa. – The No. 5 Gannon men's basketball team saw its bid for a third consecutive PSAC title end in dramatic fashion on Sunday, falling to California (Pa.), 80–79 in the PSAC Championship game at the Highmark Events Center.

The Golden Knights led 42–35 at halftime after a strong close to the opening period and maintained the advantage for much of the second half. California (Pa.) continued to battle back, tying the game multiple times down the stretch.

With the score tied late, Pace Prosser (Berlin, Pa./Berlin Brothersvalley) knocked down a three-pointer with under a minute remaining to give Gannon the lead. California responded at the free-throw line in the final two seconds, converting three foul shots to move ahead 80–79.

Gannon had one final opportunity, but a three-point attempt at the buzzer was off the mark.

Prosser led all scorers with 24 points while knocking down four three-pointers. Lucas Morgan (Sydney, Australia/Marist Catholic College North Shore) added 19 points and six rebounds, while Lucas Sekasi (Washington, DC/Jackson-Reed) finished with 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

Layne Sarver (New Madison, Ohio/Tri-Village) chipped in nine points on three made three-pointers, and Mackenzie Morgan (Sydney, Australia/Marist Catholic College North Shore) added nine points and seven rebounds.

THE KNIGHT CAP

• Playing With Pace - Pace Prosser (Berlin, Pa./Berlin Brothersvalley) led all scorers with 24 points and four three-pointers
• Chipping In - Lucas Morgan (Sydney, Australia/Marist Catholic College North Shore) added 19 points and six rebounds
• Lucas Helps to Lead the Charge - Lucas Sekasi (Washington, DC/Jackson-Reed) scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds off the bench
• Behind the Stripe - Layne Sarver (New Madison, Ohio/Tri-Village) hit three three-pointers and finished with nine points
• Mac Attack - Mackenzie Morgan (Sydney, Australia/Marist Catholic College North Shore) added nine points and seven rebounds
• On The Glass - The Golden Knights finished with a 39–37 rebounding advantage

UP NEXT

Gannon now awaits the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Selection Show, which will determine the field for the NCAA Atlantic Regional. The selection show is Sunday night at 11:00 pm. Gannon was ranked first in the latest edition of the Atlantic Regional Rankings. 

This story was written with the support of AI.