HAZLETON, Pa. – Down by seven at the end of both halves, New Kensington men's basketball couldn't stop Hazleton's lead and bring home a victory. Hazleton took advantage of New Kensington's mistakes, using its turnovers and converting them into 17 points. Leaving the game with a 67-53 loss, New Kensington bumps down to 0-4 in conference play and Hazleton improves to 2-3.

Hazleton put up big numbers from their starting players, with Jose David Pena being the high scorer of the game. Drilling in 21 points, Pena outscored New Kensington's top player by half.  

During the first period, Hazleton took the lead within the early minutes, but New Kensington responded back quickly, putting themselves on top, only to take a back seat once again. Hazleton rose above and made it a one possession game before tying the score at 15-15, and pushing to the forefront for the remainder of the period. Hazleton managed to go 6 for 18 in three-pointers, while New Kensington only hit 1of 9. Brett Kosciolek and Pena scored in the double digits for the host, and at the end of the period, Hazleton was up 37-30.

In efforts for a comeback, Bernard Lawson (Lawson, Pa./ Serra Catholic) landed himself nine points for New Kensington in the second period. Still, Hazleton was able to outscore New Kensington by converting 12 of 30 field goals. The team netted three more from the arc, meanwhile New Kensington only dropped in one. Pena hit double digits again, leading the half with 10 points.  

Lawson totaled up 11 points to lead New Kensington, making 5 of 6 field goals and one from behind the line. Jahi Ogbonna (Pittsburgh, Pa./ Allderdice) scored nine and had two assists. Tracking down 11 rebounds, Spencer Wilson (Plum, Pa./ Plum) was on top of his defensive play, as was Jamison Nee (Natrona Heights, Pa./ Highlands) who added six.

Aside from Pena being Hazleton's big scorer, Daniel Gendimenico and Kosciolek both knocked in 12 points apiece. Gendimenico also grabbed 13 rebounds.

New Kensington will play again tomorrow at Penn State Schuylkill for a 3:00 game. As for Hazleton, it will also return to play tomorrow as it takes on Penn State Shenango at 1 p.m.

Written by Janet Surma