Penn State DuBois basketball teams looking to keep momentum rolling this week

DuBOIS, Pa. – It is often said that for a sports team to win a championship, it’s all about that team peaking at the right time. For the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Penn State DuBois, that is exactly what they are attempting to do. With both teams picking up wins to close out the week, and with just five games left to go in the regular season, the Nittany Lions and Lady Lions are both looking to keep momentum on their side through the end of the season.

Going into their game on Jan. 31 when they traveled to play Penn State Fayette, the Lady Lions were looking to break a three-game losing streak. Their last win came back on Jan. 13 when Penn State DuBois beat Penn State Scranton. In a hard-fought battle at the Fayette campus, the Lady fell short against Penn State Fayette, 63-56.

DuBois, faced a tough challenge throughout the game, struggling to find their offensive rhythm. Frances Milliron led the team in scoring with 13 points, supported by Natalie Bowser's impressive double-double performance of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Lady Lions faced defensive pressure and committed 22 turnovers.

The game showcased a tale of two halves, with DuBois gradually finding their stride in the latter part of the contest. However, Fayette's strong first-half performance proved crucial in securing the win. The final quarter witnessed a spirited comeback attempt by the Lady Lions, outscoring the home team 21-14. Despite their late surge, time ran out for DuBois.

Still looking to snap their losing streak, Penn State DuBois played host to Penn State Greater Allegheny on Feb. 3 at the PAW Center. In a commanding performance, DuBois demonstrated prowess on both ends of the court, securing a resounding 74-39 victory over Greater Allegheny.

From the opening tip, the Lady Lions established control, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace. The home team's offensive efficiency, shooting at an impressive 41.7% for the game, overwhelmed Greater Allegheny's defense, which managed only a 23.4% field goal success rate.

DuBois seized a commanding lead early, finishing the first quarter with a 24-3 advantage. The home team's dominance continued through the subsequent quarters, maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the game.

Shannon Shaw proved to be a pivotal force for the Lady Lions, sinking four three-pointers and contributing 16 points overall. Bowser showcased her prowess in the paint, recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. The team's collective effort was evident, with balanced scoring and effective ball movement resulting in 18 assists.

Defensively, DuBois displayed tenacity, Greater Allegheny into 15 turnovers, while capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and second-chance points.

For the men’s team, the Nittany Lions started off the week looking to bounce back from a loss in their last game against Penn State Mont Alto. The chance to get their momentum moving back in the right direction came on Jan. 31 when they traveled to face Penn State Fayette. In a riveting contest, DuBois secured a hard-fought triumph against Penn State Fayette, claiming victory with a final score of 98-94.

The Nittany Lions showcased their offensive prowess, led by standout performances from Jaiquil Johnson, who poured in 36 points, and Kaleb Pryor, contributing 23 points. The team's three-point shooting was on full display, with a notable 11-of-27 success rate from beyond the arc. The dynamic duo of Johnson and Pryor also displayed their playmaking abilities, accumulating a combined 13 assists. Beau Verdill's dominant presence in the paint, securing 18 points and eight rebounds, proved pivotal for the Nittany Lions. The team's relentless defense, amassing nine steals and four blocks, played a crucial role in disrupting Fayette's offensive rhythm.

Despite a halftime deficit, DuBois rallied in the second half, shooting an impressive 50% from the field and clinching the victory with poised free throw execution.

Penn State DuBois then prepared for a big matchup on Feb. 3 with Penn State Greater Allegheny. Coming into the weekend contest at the PAW Center, Greater Allegheny was the leading team in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) west division and were also ranked at the number one team in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) men’s basketball division II rankings. This game marked a key game for the Nittany Lions to take a big step forward on the season.

In what turned out to be a riveting game that delivered excitement right down to the final buzzer, the Nittany Lions displayed tenacity and resilience to defeat Greater Allegheny 99-95, handing Greater Allegheny their first loss in the PSUAC this year.

The game showcased an intense battle between the two teams, with both displaying exceptional offensive prowess. Christopher Killings led the charge for Greater Allegheny, sinking 28 points, including six three-pointers, while Bryce Phillips contributed 27 points and dominated the boards with 10 rebounds.

DuBois responded with a balanced effort, as Johnson led the team with 27 points, supported by Pryor's 20-point contribution. Verdill added 19 points, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc.

The first half saw Greater Allegheny take a slight lead, heading into the break with a 51-49 advantage. However, DuBois rallied in the second half, outscoring their opponents 50-44 to secure the thrilling four-point victory. Both teams displayed impressive shooting percentages, with Greater Allegheny boasting 55.6% overall, 42.1% from three-point range, and 77.3% from the free-throw line. DuBois countered with 44.4% overall, 26.9% from beyond the arc, and a 64.5% free-throw rate. The game also featured notable performances in the paint, with both teams accumulating 52 points each. DuBois capitalized on turnovers, scoring 35 points off Greater Allegheny's 27 turnovers.

This week, both the men’s and women’s teams will play a pair of games in the PSUAC, one on the road and one at home. The week will begin on Wednesday when both teams travel to visit Penn State Beaver. The Lady Lions will lead things off when they tip at 6 p.m. and the Nittany Lions will follow at 8 p.m. This will mark the second time these two teams have matched up this season, with the women’s team falling to Beaver last time out while the men’s team picked up the win in the previous contest.

On Saturday, both teams will return home to the PAW Center to host Penn State Shenango for some afternoon basketball. The women’s game is scheduled to tip at 1 p.m. and the men’s game will follow at 3 p.m.

For complete athletic schedules, including any weather-related changes, visit the Penn State DuBois athletic website.