McKeesport, Pa- Despite bursting out to an 8-0 lead in the first two and a half minutes of the game, the Greater Allegheny (7-12, 4-8 PSUAC) men's basketball team relinquished their early advantage before falling 83-59 to Penn State Hazleton.

  Junior forward Aaron Byrd (Upper Malboro, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise) scored four of GA's early eight, and later followed with two free throws to increase the early lead to 12-3.  Hazleton countered with a 13-2 run, giving them their first lead, at 16-14.  Junior forward Nick Dizon (Rankin, PA/Woodland Hills) converted a layup with 5:20 remaining in the half, tying the game at 27-27.  The visitors from Hazelton would take control from that point on, ending the half on a 15-2 run.

  Byrd led Greater Allegheny with 14 points and seven rebounds, with Dizon adding 12 points and six rebounds.  Sophomore forward Patrick Malcolm (Washington, D.C./Archbishop Carroll) turned in a strong performance as well, with nine points and four rebounds.

  GA will take a day off Sunday, before returning to PSUAC action Monday evening against Penn State Fayette.  The home contest tips off at 8 PM.