On Feb. 20, the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams hosted University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown for another Wednesday night doubleheader. The night was great for both teams, as they both ended up winning with ease and posting large scores. The Men’s team took their game 91-79 and the Women’s took their game 89-43, their second win of the season by at least 45 points.

The Men’s team (16-10, 11-7) had a very efficient night against UPJ (11-14, 7-11), as they quickly set up a massive lead in the first half that would not be taken away from them. UPJ retaliated with runs that would give them a chance with a 12-point deficit in the second half, but the Vulcans closed out the game strong and refused to let the lead break.

Junior Donald Whitehead Jr. led the team in scoring with 26 points, with 20 of those points coming in the first half. Contrary to him, Redshirt Junior Cam Polak finished with 18 points and all of them came in the second half. Senior Kadyn Hannah led the Vulcans in rebounds, posting 8 boards in his 26 minutes. The Vulcans finished the team shooting around 47% from the floor (29-62).

The Women’s team (15-10, 11-7) dominated against UPJ (3-22, 1-17) on Wednesday night. The game was never really close, as the Vulcans held UPJ scoreless for 10 whole minutes in the first half, helping to build a massive lead of 47-12 at halftime. The Women’s team continued to build on this lead, leading by more than 50 points at one point in the 4th quarter, but finishing the game winning by 46 points.

Senior Talia Gilliard was lights out, leading with 29 points on 12-18 shooting. Fellow Senior Allycia Harris also registered a double-double, finishing with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and also leading the team with 6 assists. The Women’s team also had their best shooting game of the year, finishing with around 57% shooting (35-61).

With both teams winning, both the Men’s team and the Women’s team clinched berths in the PSAC tournament happening next month. Both teams return to action next Wednesday when they take on IUP in another doubleheader, this time at IUP.