McKeesport, PA. – The #18 Penn State Greater Allegheny Men’s Basketball team (4-4, 1-3) has suffered a little slump as of late dropping each of their last three games. However, they have a chance to gain back some momentum before the Christmas break when they take on Penn State DuBois (3-6, 0-5) on Saturday at 3 p.m.
PSUGA faced their toughest test of the season last time out when they took on the top team in the nation in Villa Maria falling 93-68. PSUGA gained the early momentum scoring the first six points of the game, however, the Vikings kept their foot on the gas pedal for the rest of the half and went into the locker room leading PSUGA 46-29.
PSUGA tried to fight back in this one scoring 39 second half points, but it wasn’t enough as the Vikings once again put up 40 plus points in the second half and moved on to win the game 93-68. Despite the loss, the PSUGA offense got back on their feet scoring the most points they have scored in a game since their November 30th matchup with PSU-Hazleton.
Mhonte Newsome (Baltimore, MD./Our Lady of Mt. Saint Carmel) had a career day leading the way with 17 points in the loss followed by Jordon Payne (McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport HS) who turned in 13 points in the game. For Payne, it marked only the second game this season where he has not scored 15 or more points.
With plenty of season left to play, this early stumble is just a speed bump in the long and winding 2018-2019 season. With 16 games remaining in the second half of the season, there is still plenty of time for head coach Tyler Care’s team to turn things around on their road to a possible fourth straight playoff appearance.
They have a great opportunity to do that as they take on a Penn State DuBois team that has also been struggling this season. DuBois enters Saturday’s game on a five game losing streak including a 98-89 loss to Penn State New Kensington last time out. After falling behind 48-36 at halftime, DuBois ended up out scoring New Ken in the second half 53-50 but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.
Zach Dahlstrand and Dylan Huey would have big days for DuBois scoring 25 and 24 points respectively in the loss. The duo combined to score 29 of their team’s 53 second half points and were a big part of the team’s second half success. Everyone else finished with eight or less points in the contest.
In 15 previous matchups this rivalry has been tight nit with PSUGA holding a slight advantage with a record of 8-7. Last season, the home team won each of the two games with DuBois picking up a 80-74 win at home while PSUGA returned the favor on their home court with an 83-66 win.
Tip-off for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 3 p.m. on the campus of Penn State DuBois. You can watch all the action live courtesy of a live stream from PSU-DuBois which you can watch by clicking here.