McKeesport, Pa. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Men’s Basketball Team (11-5, 6-2) have played very well on their home court going a perfect 5-0 so far on the season. They will look to continue their dominance on Friday when they take on Penn State Mont Alto (9-8, 3-5) at 8 p.m. in the second half of a Men’s and Women’s Basketball doubleheader.
PSUGA has won their last two contests after dropping their first game of the second half to Lehigh Valley. The bench has come up big for PSUGA all season long and it was no different in their 80-73 win over PSU-Fayette on Tuesday. The bench contributed 25 points including 10 each from Kenny Rouse (Duquesne, Pa./West Mifflin) and Makis Rivera (Pittsburgh, Pa./Imani Christian Academy). Curtis Newby (Sharon, Pa./Sharon HS) helped guarantee the victory scoring 14 second half points and leading a 40-point attack.
Jordan Payne (McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport) continues to lead the offensive attack and did so once again scoring a team high 23 points in the game. Payne currently ranks third in all of the PSUAC in points per game with 22.5 and has been a big reason for the recent success that they have found.
PSUGA is also riding high after moving up in the weekly USCAA coaches poll. PSUGA comes into this game as the number four ranked team in the country moving up from a number five ranking last week. They are currently tied for first place in the PSUAC with PSU-York, PSU-Brandywine, and PSU-Wilkes Barre. All four teams enter this weekend’s action with just two conference loses under their belt.
Mont Alto has been on a roll in the second half winning each of their last three contests including a 74-73 win over Valley Forge on Tuesday night. Mont Alto used a 42-point first half to jump out to an early lead and held on for the close victory. Valley Forge outscored Mont Alto in the second half, but the early lead was enough to hold the lead for Mont Alto. Jalen Smith led Mont Alto with 30 points on the night.
Mont Alto enters this matchup having given PSUGA trouble in the past leading the all-time series with a record of 5-1. PSUGA picked up their first ever win against Mont Alto last season when they went on the road and beat them 88-85. However, PSUGA has had great numbers at home with an overall record of 39-34 on their home court since the 2011/2012 season.
Tip-off for Friday night’s game is scheduled for 8 p.m. as the second half of a Men’s and Women’s Basketball Doubleheader. Come join us before the Women’s Game as we unveil the new renovations to the Wunderly Gymnasium.
