McKeesport, Pa. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Men’s Basketball Team (13-6, 8-3) got contributions from everyone on Saturday afternoon when they defeated Williamson Trade (10-12) 75-53. With some of their normal starters resting injuries for the playoff run, a lot of the bench players had to step up in big ways today.
PSUGA controlled the game early on scoring 13 of the first 15 points to jump out to the lead. Williamson Trade had their best offensive showing of the day bringing the score back to within two before PSUGA was once again able to pull away. PSUGA mustered 44 first half points and led 44-27 at halftime.
Despite not starting the game Jeremy McMunn (Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills) continued his hot streak leading the team with 12 points. McMunn was 3-5 from three-point range and has shown a lot more confidence as of late. Jordan Payne (McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport), who also didn’t start the game, contributed eight points in that first half.
PSUGA has been focusing on a strong defensive presence over the course of the second half of the season, and that showed today. They were able to hold Williamson Trade under 20 points in each of the halves allowing a season low 53 points. Khari Hicks (East Hills, Pa./Imani Christian Academy) led with six of his 12 points in the second half while the team as a whole collected 31 points on their way to the 75-53 victory.
McMunn led the way with 15 points, including four three pointers, on the day followed closely by Hick’s 11-point effort. In total nine PSUGA players contributed points as they spread the ball around effectively. Makis Rivera (Pittsburgh, Pa./Imani Christian Academy) led the way with eight rebounds starting in place of the injured George Prota (Elizabeth, Pa./Elizabeth).
PSUGA has now won three straight games and is looking to head towards the Penn State University Athletic Conference playoff race with some momentum. They currently sit as the number three seed in the standings, but that could all change with a big week of games looming for the team.
They play four conference opponents over the stretch of a six day period including facing second place PSU-Wilkes Barre on Friday night which could help to determine their seeding. It all kicks off with a game against PSU-Beaver on Monday starting at 8 p.m. It will be the second half of a Men’s and Women’s Basketball Doubleheader.
