McKeesport, Pa. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Men’s Basketball Team (16-6, 10-3) has a big match looming when they take on PSU-Wilkes Barre (15-7, 11-3) on Friday at 8 p.m. The winner of this matchup will hold the #2 seed in the Penn State University Athletic Conference Playoffs and would more then likely have a bye week on Wednesday before the Semi-final round on Saturday February 17th.
PSUGA has put an emphasis on defense during the second half of the season and that played a big role in their win on Tuesday night over PSU-DuBois. Juwan Ledbetter (Pittsburgh, Pa./Taylor Alderdice) starred on both sides of the ball scoring a career high 17 points while shutting down one of the top scorers in all of the PSUAC keeping Tristan Pierce to just 13 points in the game.
Curtis Newby (Sharon, Pa./Sharon HS) led his team in both points, 20, and rebounds, 19, while playing a big part on defense picking up three blocks on the day. Kenny Rouse (Duquesne, Pa./West Mifflin) rounded out the top scorers putting up 17 points on the day to go along with seven rebounds.
PSUGA was able to hold PSU-DuBois to 66 points on the day marking the third straight game where they have held their opponents to under 70 points, and the fourth time in the last six games. They were never able to accomplish that feat in the first half of the season allowing 70 or more in every game.
PSU-Wilkes Barre has been on the opposite end of the spectrum in the second half. They have scored less then 70 points in three of their last four games, however, they have won three out of those four games as well. They are averaging just 78.7 points per game this season while allowing their opponents to score just 70.8 PPG.
Last time out, they scored a close win over PSU-Hazleton 68-67. After a slow start to the game they were able to score 37 points in the second half on their way to the victory. They got 34 of their 68 points from the bench including 15 from Tomir Gibbs and 13 from Levaughn Soules. Jordan Williams was the only starter to score in double digits on the day putting up 10 points.
The series has been close between these two teams with Wilkes Barre having the slight advantage with a record of 4-3. Last season, PSUGA got the best of Wilkes Barre picking up a 66-58 win. George Prota (Elizabeth, Pa./Elizabeth Forward) led the way with 16 points while Newby finished right behind him with 14 points.
Tip-off for Friday night’s game is scheduled for 8 p.m. inside the Wunderly Gymnasium. It will be the second half of a Men’s and Women’s Basketball double-header.
