NEW KESINGTON, Pa. - The Penn State New Kensington men's basketball team notched its first win of the season in impressive fashion, defeating Westmoreland County Community College 90-74 on Monday.
The Lions' triumph, which evened their record at 1-1, came in their home opener. Westmoreland County Community College, meanwhile, fell to 0-3 with the setback.
Although the opening 10 minutes was relatively even, with the teams exchanging the lead several times, New Kensington gained some separation in the latter stages of the opening half, and took a 42-34 advantage into the locker room.
The Lions shot an impressive 51 percent from the field in the opening half, bolstered by freshman Shyheim Flanagan (St. Martinville, La./Westside), who made four of his five attempts and notched a dozen points in the first half. The Wolfpack remained within striking distance, though, as the duo of Jakir Hampton and Joel Lonigro each contributed 10 points and the team hit all five of its foul shots.
Midway through the second half, the Lions held a lead of just six points, at 59-53, but New Ken gained complete command courtesy of a 12-2 run that was highlighted by a massive dunk by freshman center Manny Dotson (Pittsburgh, Pa/Nazareth Prep). New Kensington maintained a double-digit lead for the rest of the contest, despite committing 12 turnovers in the second half.
Flanagan paced the Lions with 22 points and five assists, and he also contributed the lone block for New Kensington. Sophomore Aubrey Feaster II was the other player in double figures for New Kensington, as he amassed 13 points. Additionally, senior Joseph Dusabe (Toronto, Ont./Fox Chapel Area) posted nine points, nine rebounds, and three assists, sophomore Evan Clarke (Aston, Pa/Garnet Valley) notched eight points and three steals, and junior Sammy Carey (Springdale, Pa/Springdale) added six points and eight boards.
The Wolfpack were led by Hampton, who netted a game-high 26 points, while Lonigro and Brandon Baird added 19 and 13 points, respectively.
New Kensington is next in action on Saturday, as the Lions host Central Penn at 3 p.m.
