Big win at home for PSNK Basketball

Penn State New Kensington Dominates Penn State Hazleton in 85-58 Victory

In a commanding performance on their home court, Penn State New Kensington improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference with an emphatic 85-58 win over Penn State Hazleton. The victory showcased New Kensington's balance, depth, and defensive prowess, solidifying their position as a top contender in the PSUAC this season.

First Half: Establishing Dominance

New Kensington opened the game with high energy, capitalizing on a well-rounded offense to take a 40-29 lead into halftime. Guard Aubrey Feaster II set the tone early, draining three shots from beyond the arc on his way to a game-high 23 points. The team also controlled the boards, with forward Jadyn Benson pulling down 14 rebounds in a dominant display.

Second Half: Pulling Away

The second half saw New Kensington ramp up its defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and limiting Hazleton to just 35.1% shooting from the field. While Hazleton's Connor Rushing led his team with 10 points, it wasn't enough to overcome New Kensington's efficient offense and relentless rebounding.

Ta'Rasi Means delivered a stellar performance in the second half, finishing with 20 points and showcasing his versatility with seven rebounds and four assists. Donaven Johnson chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Mekhi Murray added 10 points, further demonstrating the team's depth.

Key Stats

• Shooting Efficiency: New Kensington shot 44.8% from the field, including an impressive 46.7% from three-point range, while holding Hazleton to 35.1% overall and 0% from beyond the arc.
• Rebounding Advantage: New Kensington dominated the boards with 39 rebounds compared to Hazleton's 14, including 30 defensive rebounds.
• Free Throws: The home team converted 14 of 16 free throws, an 87.5% success rate, further underscoring their discipline and focus.

State Leaders for Penn State New Kensington

• Points: Aubrey Feaster II (23), Ta'Rasi Means (20)
• Rebounds: Jadyn Benson (14), Donaven Johnson (7), Ta'Rasi Means (7)
• Assists: Donaven Johnson (5), Ta'Rasi Means (4)
• Steals: Ta'Rasi Means, Donaven Johnson, Jadyn Benson (3 each)