NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. – Penn State New Kensington's men's basketball team was unable to maintain their lead against Penn State Fayette and eventually fell 81-65. The men are 7-13 overall and 3-11 in the conference.

New Kensington started the first half with a three-pointer from Jakob Richardson (Pittsburgh, Pa./ Seton LaSalle). Jamison Nee (Natrona Heights, Pa./ Highlands) and Wilson Rojas (Pittsburgh, Pa./ Havelock) followed Richardson with two more three-pointers, which made the score 9-3. The score was neck and neck throughout the whole half, with the teams tying and then breaking away by a few points. Nee put up 19 points and had five rebounds. Brent Ivory (Pittsburgh, Pa./ Seton LaSalle) hit nine points and had two steals. Lamar Lewis (Pittsburgh, Pa./ Carrick) put up seven, three of which were free throws. The half ended with Fayette up by one, 45-44.

The second half proved to be more difficult for New Kensington, although they gained their lead back for a split second, 50-49. Right after, Fayette began putting up big numbers and New Kensington fell behind. Ivory knocked in nine points, and Richardson made six in the half. Thomas Gilmore (Sharon, Pa./ Grit Sports Academy) tracked down the ball for six rebounds during the quarter.

Nee finished the game with the most points for the Lions, 21. Nee, Ivory, and Gilmore all added seven rebounds. Ivory ended with 18 points, and Richardson produced 11.

Penn State New Kensington will play Penn State Greater Allegheny on Saturday, Feb. 9. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Written by Janet Surma