CALIFORNIA, Pa. — The Slippery Rock University men’s basketball team erased a 14-point deficit with a 22-7 run in the second half, but it dropped a 69-68 decision to California (Pa.) Wednesday night.

SRU (17-8, 7-4) managed a 57-54 lead with six minutes to play, only to fall behind again. A Devin Taylor layup cut the gap to one point with 11 seconds left and the Vulcans (12-11, 5-6) missed two free throws.

Taylor’s potential game-winning shot was off the mark.

Jabril Bailey scored 24 points while Maron Brown had 19 points and 10 rebounds for The Rock. Brown’s double-double was his school record tying 15th of the season.

California 69, SRU 39 — The Rock (3-20, 1-10) was held to 15 points and five field goals in the first half.Marlynda Harland paced SRU with 15 points. Cal improved to 17-6, 8-3.