Saturday, at Millersville University, the KU men’s basketball team earned another playoff birth, their 12th in the past 13 seasons, by taking down the Marauders by a score of 68-63.

The Golden Bears remain one game behind East Stroudsburg University for first place, while also holding onto a one game lead over West Chester University. The three teams will be fighting over the two first rounds byes in the upcoming PSAC tournament.

KU pulled out the victory by controlling nearly the entire game. Millersville came on strong in the second half, putting together a string of runs pulling within one of KU with 3:58 to go. The Marauders lost their cool, however, a late technical foul resulting in two golden bear free throws relieved the pressure.

The free throws were clutch for the bears; a free throw percentage of 92.6 (25-27), while making all of their final 19 from the charity stipe spanning over 15:27 of play. Defensively, KU made all of the necessary stops in the end. The effort, when needed the most, proved this was a team effort by a playoff-caliber team.

Coming off a record-setting game against Cheyney University last Wednesday, going 14-for-14, 30-points from the field, Josh Johnson led the way in scoring again. The sophomore sensation had a game-high, 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting. Johnson has now passed the mark of 700 points and 350 rebounds in just his second year.

Johnson’s incredible two game performances opened the eyes of many people around the league as he earned the PSAC Eastern Division Athlete of the Week. The 6-8 forward shot an outstanding 21-for-25 from the field over the two game span, but more importantly led KU to two crucial wins.

Austin Beidelman and Tynell Fortune were perfect from the free throw line as they both finished in double figures in scoring. Tyler Brooks bodied his way to a game-high with nine rebounds while also compiling five assists and seven points. The redshirt senior moved into eighth all-time in Saturdays win.

The playoff-clinching win, led by Johnson and company, showed that this team is hot right at the best time. The Golden Bears have only four regular season games left and they continue their road trip and hopefully their winning ways Wednesday night 8 p.m. at Lock Haven University.

Come out next Wednesday night, Feb. 18, at Keystone Arena for fan appreciation night and the honoring of the seniors in their final home game as a Golden Bear.