Roaring Lions drop season opener at Cal U

November 15, 2010—California, Pa.

History was made Monday night as Mark John led the Roaring Lions to California University of Pennsylvania in his collegiate coaching debut, falling 89-51 to the Vulcans. California (1-0), an NCAA Division II member, hosted the Roaring Lions (0-1) for the second time in three seasons as both teams opened up the 2010-11 campaign. The night was also historic for the Vulcans and Roaring Lions, as they competed in the final home opener in Hamer Hall in front of an announced crowd of 1,901.

The Roaring Lions were led by sophomore forward David Winns, who had 13 points and collected six rebounds while going 5-for-7 from the field. Sophomore point guard James Pratt gathered 12 points and four rebounds of his own, while playing 39 minutes. Sophomore forward Andrew Hoye added nine points, going 4-for-5 from the field.

California started the game with a 7-0 run, before a Hoye layup put the Roaring Lions on the board. The teams traded baskets before an 11-3 California run helped them create sizable lead they would never relinquish. The Roaring Lions trailed 49-25 at halftime, but outscored the Vulcans 17-15 over the first 10 minutes of the second half. A final California run made the score 80-44 with five minutes remaining, with the teams trading baskets to finish the game. California was led by Rashawd Hatten and Quentin Harding, who each scored 18 points.

The Roaring Lions shot 41 percent from the field, but shot only 25 percent from three-point range. The Roaring Lions travel to Saint Vincent before their home opener on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 1:00 p.m. against the defending USCAA Division II Men's National Champions, Valor Christian College (formerly World Harvest Bible College).