McKeesport, PA. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Men’s Basketball team (2-0, 0-0) fell behind early, but was able to fight back in the second half to pick up an 86-79 win over Kent State Tuscarawas (1-2, 0-0). After falling behind 46-41 in the first half, PSUGA surged for 45 second half points on their way to their second straight victory.
It was sophomore Marquest Rainey (Pittsburgh, PA./Allderdice HS) who got the offense going, helping his team out to a 14-8 lead, scoring nine points during the run. However, Kent State Tuscarawas battled back to even things at 29-29 with 7:42 to go before halftime. It would be Tuscarawas that got the advantage, outscoring PSUGA 17-12 over the final 7:42. PSUGA went into the locker room down 46-41.
After their offense exploded for 149 points in the opener, it was the first time this season that PSUGA was forced to play from behind. After halftime, PSUGA would respond with a 9-4 run tying the score at 50-50 over the first four minutes of the half. Koran Fleming (Wilkinsburg, PA./Westinghouse HS) put up five points during the run.
Another 6-0 run would give PSUGA the separation they would need to stay on top for the rest of the night as they went ahead 61-55 with 10:52 remaining on the clock. Kent State Tuscarawas would battle back getting to within eight points several times, but it wasn’t enough as PSUGA was able to hold on for the 86-79 win.
It was a career game for Rainey who put up a team-high 27 points in the game, 21 of those coming in the first half. Rainey was one of four double digit scorers for PSUGA with Makis Rivera (Pittsburgh, PA./Imani Christian Academy) adding 17 of his own to go along with his eight rebounds. Markel Sayles (Pittsburgh, Pa./Perry HS) led the defense with 12 rebounds and picked up his first double-double of the season scoring 15 points.
The PSUGA Men’s Basketball team is back in action later today when they take on Andrews University on day two of the PSUGA Tip-off Tournament.