SCRATON, Pa. — Penn State New Kensington's men's basketball team fell close behind Penn State Scranton, 123-113. The men are now 7-8 overall and 3-6 in the conference. 

New Kensington maintained a steady lead in the first half, but by midpoint Scranton had taken over, 23-25. Even with Scranton closing the gap, the Lions still had high scorers. Brent Ivory (Pittsburgh, Pa,/ Seton LaSalle) put in 13 points, Jakob Richardson (Pittsburgh, Pa./ Seton LaSalle) made 12, and Lamar Lewis (Pittsburgh, Pa./Carrick) contributed ten. Richardson grabbed the most rebounds of the half, ten, and Ivory was able to get 5. The half ended with Scranton keeping up their lead, 56-47. 

New Kensington wasn't able to catch Scranton's lead in the second half, although they did play harder and managed to put up more points than the first half. This time, the Lions had four players reaching double digits. Ivory led again with 19, Richardson hit 14, Lewis sunk 15, and Thomas Gilmore (Sharon, Pa./ Grit Sports Academy) made 12.  Ivory made four three-pointers this half, and had the most rebounds, five. 

Ivory hit a season high of 32 points, leading New Kensington. Richardson totaled 26 and got the most rebounds for the team, 13. Lewis had 25 points, and was eight for eight in free throws. Gilmore added 16 points and two steals. 

Penn State New Kensington will head to Penn State Wilkes-Barre on Saturday Jan. 26. Game time is 2 p.m. 

Written by Janet Surma