Penn State DuBois basketball teams close out busy week on the hardwood

DuBOIS, Pa. – Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Penn State DuBois returned to action this past week, including getting conference play in the PSUAC off and running. Both teams will be in action again this week before having a brief break for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

The Lady Lions took the court against Penn State York on Friday, marking their first game in 13 days. In a challenging game, the Penn State DuBois faced a tough battle on the court. Despite a valiant effort from Shannon Shaw, who led the team with 13 points, and Frances Milliron's contributions of nine points, the Lady Lions struggled to match York's offensive firepower, falling 77-52 in their home opener at the PAW Center.

Rebecca Martin, Tara Leamer and Natalie Bowser gave valiant efforts to attempt to have the Lady Lions take control of the game on the glass, with seven, six and four rebounds respectively. Despite this fact, DuBois struggled with shooting, converting only 35% of their shots in the contest.

Penn State DuBois turned right around on Saturday to host Penn State Mont Alto, with the idea of getting back on the winning track. In an intense showdown, Mont Alto clinched a hard-earned triumph over DuBois, concluding with a final score of 67-61. The game showcased a gripping battle between the two teams, each displaying tenacity and skill throughout all four quarters.

DuBois showcased resilience in their offensive, led by Shaw's impressive display, tallying 26 points in the contest. Shaw's precision from beyond the arc, landing seven three-pointers, posed a persistent threat to Mont Alto's defense. Milliron also exhibited determination, adding 12 points to the team's tally, showcasing versatility in her gameplay.

The matchup showcased a thrilling display of skill, with both teams demonstrating resilience and determination. While Mont Alto emerged victorious, DuBois' spirited performance kept the game tightly contested until the final buzzer.

On the men’s side, the Nittany Lions opened their week against NCAA Division II opponent Gannon University. In a high-scoring showdown, Gannon displayed offensive prowess, pulling away from Penn State DuBois by a final score of 146-70.

The Gannon team showcased remarkable shooting accuracy, tallying an impressive 62.6% field goal success rate throughout the game. They capitalized on their offensive opportunities, particularly in the paint, racking up an astonishing 90 points inside.

The Nittany Lions, though facing an uphill battle, exhibited moments of resilience. Jaiquil Johnson led their scoring efforts with 19 points, supported by Kaleb Pryor's 14 points. Ashton Fortson and Christopher Frontera also contributed with nine and six points respectively. The team showcased strong performances on the boards, securing 22 rebounds and displaying defensive efforts with three steals. Their bench also contributed significantly, adding 27 points to the team's total.

Penn State DuBois returned home for a weekend double header, first hosting Penn State York on Friday. In a riveting clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Nittany Lions secured a hard-earned 75-71 victory over York in a compelling matchup at the PAW Center.

The game showcased a tightly contested affair, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the contest. Johnson led the offensive charge for DuBois, pouring in a game-high 24 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting, while Fortson's balanced performance of eight points and seven rebounds proved instrumental for the home team.

The game was characterized by intense defensive efforts from both squads, with the Nittany Lions capitalizing on turnovers, amassing 22 points off York's miscues, a significant factor in deciding the game's outcome. Additionally, the home team displayed dominance in the paint, outscoring York 36-30.

Jordin Sommers contributed eight points and four assists, while Pryor added 18 points for the Nittany Lions. The team's collective effort and resilience down the stretch proved pivotal in securing the narrow victory.

Coming off the victory on Friday, Penn State DuBois hosted Penn State Mont Alto on Saturday at the PAW Center. Struggling to find their offensive rhythm, DuBois shot 35.7% from the field, facing formidable defensive pressure from Mont Alto throughout the game in an 81-49 defeat.

Johnson led the Nittany Lions offensively with 12 points, while Fortson contributed eight points, yet Mont Alto's staunch defense limited their scoring opportunities. Defensively, DuBois fought valiantly but couldn't contain Mont Alto's offensive firepower.

Despite the score line, DuBois displayed resilience, battling on the boards with eight offensive rebounds, yet Mont Alto's dominance in rebounding with 34 total boards proved pivotal.

Both the men’s and women’s teams will be in action for one more game before the Thanksgiving holiday. The Lady Lions will travel to visit the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on Tuesday, Nov. 21, with a tip off time scheduled for noon. The Nittany Lions will also be on the road on Tuesday when they travel to take on Malone University in Ohio. That game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

For complete athletic schedules visit the Penn State DuBois athletic website.