Second half downfall causes a New Kensington loss

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. – Facing only a three-point margin heading into the second half, New Kensington men's basketball was unable to keep up with Penn State Mont Alto on Saturday, falling 79-60. The loss results in New Kensington dropping to 0-3 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC), while Mont Alto keeps its undefeated conference record, improving to 3-0.

After going on a 12-point run early into the first half, Mont Alto gained an advantage over the host. New Kensington's offense pushed for points, as its' defense tried to put a stop to Mont Alto's scoring, even though Quintyn Flemister netted 12 points to lead the half for Mont Alto.

New Kensington began pacing with Mont Alto, and nearly closed that gap that Mont Alto created at the start. Scoring six, Wilson Rojas (Pittsburgh, Pa./ Havelock) led the way for New Kensington. At halftime, Mont Alto remained on top, 33-30.

With the game up for grabs, Mont Alto came out of the break stronger than in the previous half. It went 15-33 in field goals and put in four three-pointers, whereas New Kensington was only able to convert 7 out of 26 field goals.

Brian Davidson (Pittsburgh, Pa./ North Catholic) was the leading scorer for New Kensington, as he dropped in 11 points on four field goals and three foul shots. Jahi Ogbonna (Pittsburgh, Pa./ Allderdice) was another top player, contributing 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists. The leading rebounder was Spencer Wilson (Plum, Pa./ Plum), who grabbed seven.

Flemister totaled up a game-high 22 points for the visitors, while also managing to get seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

New Kensington will next host Kent St. Tuscarawas on Tues. December 3 at 7 p.m., while Mont Alto will welcome Penn State Lehigh Valley the same day.

Written by Janet Surma