McKeesport, Pa. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Men’s Basketball Team (9-4, 4-1) kicked off the new year with a big conference win as they defeated Penn State New Kensington (4-7, 2-4) 77-61 on Tuesday. It was another historic night for a PSUGA player as Senior Curtis Newby (Sharon, Pa./Sharon HS) broke the all-time career rebounding record at PSUGA recording 11 on the night.
Newby entered the game needing just ten rebounds to break the previous record that was held by former Lion Petrie Addison of 704. He accomplished the feat four and a half minutes into the second half and received a standing ovation from the crowd of nearly 150 people that packed the Wunderly Gymnasium.
Those fans were treated to an offensive display early on from PSUGA when they went on a 9-3 run to start the game in which they were able to spread the ball around effectively. They would extend the lead even further with another 13-3 run that would give them a 16-point lead. After several games before the break in which the offense came out slow, PSUGA was finally able to come out with energy and control the ball game from the get go.
PSU-New Kensington would fight back towards the end of the first half, but PSUGA held on to take a 38-26 lead heading into halftime. After having a down game against Penn State DuBois before the break, Jordan Payne (McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport) brought his offensive game in the first half with 13 points. Payne has been the leader of the offense and his ability to score was what fueled his team’s hot start.
PSUGA continued to pour it on in the second half going on an 8-2 run to get them out to a 46-30 lead. New Kensington would not go down without a fight as they scored the next six points to get it down to a ten-point game. The teams would trade blows for the rest of the half but PSUGA had built up a big enough lead to be able to hold on for the 77-61 victory.
Payne would get back on track offensively putting up a team high 20 points in the contest after scoring just eight in the game against DuBois before the break. Newby not only performed well rebounding but got his offense going as well with an 18-point effort and his eighth double-double of the season.
PSUGA continues to play well at home where they are 5-0 so far on the season. The newly renovated gym brought the energy up in the crowd and PSUGA was able to feed off of that energy for the victory.
PSUGA will go back on the road this weekend to take on Penn State Lehigh Valley on Friday and Penn State Brandywine on Saturday. Both games will be doubleheaders with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. and 3 p.m. respectively.
