DuBOIS, Pa. – While it wasn’t their busiest week of the basketball season, it was a positive week for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Penn State DuBois. Each team played two important games in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC), and with two weeks left in the regular season, every game moving forward is important for both the Nittany Lions and Lady Lions.
The week started for the women’s team on Feb. 7 when the team traveled to face Penn State Beaver for a divisional matchup within the PSUAC. DuBois faced a tough challenge on the road, succumbing to a formidable Beaver squad with a final score of 80-69.
In the opening quarter, the Lady Lions battled fiercely, keeping the score close at 21-19. Frances Milliron displayed offensive prowess, contributing 10 points, while Shannon Shaw added to the effort with 19 points, showcasing a sharp shooting performance from beyond the arc. However, the momentum shifted in the second quarter as Beaver widened the gap. Despite a commendable effort on the boards, led by Natalie Bowser's 14 rebounds, DuBois struggled to contain the home team's offensive onslaught.
The third quarter saw a spirited response from the Lady Lions, with Rebecca Martin and Tara Leamer contributing to a 21-point effort. In the final quarter, DuBois fought valiantly, but Beaver's consistent scoring and defensive pressure proved insurmountable. Despite a balanced offensive performance, the Lady Lions couldn't close the gap, ultimately falling short with a final score of 80-69.
Following the tough road loss, the Lady Lions returned home to the PAW Center to host Penn State Shenango, looking to get back on the winning track and continue their push towards the PSUAC playoffs. In a closely contested matchup, DuBois secured a hard-fought victory against Shenango with a final score of 54-49. The game was marked by intense competition, showcasing the determination and skill of both teams.
The first quarter saw a tight battle, with Shenango taking an 11-9 lead. However, DuBois responded in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 26-24 by halftime.
The third quarter proved pivotal for the Lady Lions, as they unleashed a strong offensive performance, outscoring Shenango 16-8. The home team capitalized on this momentum, entering the final quarter with a 40-34 lead.
Despite a resilient effort from Shenango in the fourth quarter, DuBois maintained their composure and secured the win. Key contributions came from Milliron, who led the team with 13 points, and Bowser, who added 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. DuBois' defense played a crucial role, limiting Shenango to a shooting percentage of 27.4%. The home team's bench also made valuable contributions, outscoring their counterparts 17 to 6.
In the end, the Lady Lions celebrated a well-earned victory, showcasing their resilience and teamwork throughout the game, while improving their record to 9-10 on the season.