McKeesport, PA. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Men’s Basketball Team (4-2, 1-2) has struggled over their last three games going 1-2 and averaging just 72.0 points per game over that stretch. They have a chance to rebound when they return home on Wednesday to take on Penn State Mont Alto (5-2, 2-1) at 6 p.m.
It came down to the wire on Saturday, but in the end PSUGA fell to PSU-Schuylkill 69-67 to fall to 1-2 in conference play. The game was tied at 67-67 with under a minute to go and a last second layup by Schuylkill’s Johnathan Smith in the final seconds secured the victory and handed PSUGA their second loss in their last three games.
While it was a loss on the scoreboard, there were still positives for PSUGA. Jordon Payne (McKeesport, PA./McKeesport HS) returned to form in his second game back from injury leading the team with 26 points while hitting eight three-pointers in the game. Payne has been the lifeblood of the PSUGA offense and is one of the keys to PSUGA’s success this season.
Antonio Hill (West Mifflin, PA./West Mifflin HS) and Makis Rivera (Pittsburgh, PA./Imani Christian Academy) followed right behind with 11 points each in the game while Hill led the way with four assists. Kenny Rouse (Duquesne, Pa./West Mifflin, PA.) led the defensive side of the ball with six rebounds in the game.
With the loss, PSUGA now sits at 1-2 in Penn State University Athletic Conference play for the first time in head coach Tyler Care’s career. Despite the slow start, Care is looking for his team to start meshing and showing the talent that they are capable of on the court. With 16 more conference games still remaining, there is plenty of time for PSUGA to find there way and get back in the playoff race.
PSU-Mont Alto enters Wednesday’s contest on a high note beating PSU-Lehigh Valley last time out 57-53. After taking a 35-29 halftime lead, Mont Alto was able to hold off a Lehigh Valley comeback and holding on for the four-point win. Kevin Holston led the way with 13 points while four different players led the defense with six points.
PSU-Mont Alto has had success against PSUGA over the previous seven matchups with PSUGA winning only one of those seven games. Last season, PSU-Mont Alto came out with the win beating PSUGA 76-56. Former Lion Curtis Newby scored a team high 19 points and Kenny Rouse followed with 13 points in the loss.
Tip-off for Wednesday’s game is scheduled for 8 p.m. as the second half of a Men’s and Women’s Basketball doubleheader. You can watch all the action live at bit.ly/PSUGAYT.