Lions Cannot Overcome Slow Start, Fall to Franciscan

Steubenville, OH- The Lions traveled to Steubenville, OH last night for a showdown with Franciscan University.

New Kensington started cold, missing their first 7 shots on their way to an 11-0 deficit after the first four minutes. Once the Lions got things going, they were able to chip away at the lead, cutting it to 38-34 at the half.

Both teams traded jabs throughout the second half, with New Kensington taking its first lead of the game, 48-47, on a three pointer by sophomore guard Dalton Wiles (Oakland, MD) with just under 14 minutes remaining. The game remained tight down the stretch, as the Lions tied things up at 63 all on a jumper by senior forward Joseph Dusabe (Toronto, ON) with 1:44 left.

Franciscan retook the lead at 65-63 on a pair of free throws 20 seconds later. New Kensington had a couple opportunities to tie things back up but turned the ball over late on their way to a 67-63 loss.

New Kensington struggled in the paint for a second straight game, being outscored 34-14 down low. The Lions were paced by two 18-point performances from forwards Benjamin Cunningham (Woodbridge, VA) and Joseph Dusabe. Sophomore guard Shyheim Flanagan (Breaux Bridge, LA) chipped in 8 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds while fellow guard freshmen Donaven Johnson (Houston, TX) added 6 points and 7 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench.

The Lions will look to get back to their winning ways when they return from Christmas break to host Kent State-Tuscarawas on Friday, January 6^th at the athletic center.

Stay tuned at PSNKathletics.com.