MCKEESPORT, Pa. - The Penn State New Kensington men's basketball team fell to 6-10 on the season in McKeesport Thursday night after losing to Penn State Greater Allegheny despite a strong start to the second half of the season.
In the face of a close loss, the men played like a well-oiled machine during Thursday night's divisional contest against Penn State Greater Allegheny.
The practice time and game strategy were apparent as all the players appeared to be on the same page. The aggressive offensive play allowed high levels of scoring early on and great passing methods added to the team's efficiency.
Aubrey Feaster II (Buffalo, N.Y. / William B. Travis) led the scoring for New Kensington through the first period with 10 points. He was put in position by Shyheim Flanagan (St. Martinville, La. / Westside) and Jovan Kojic (Subotica, Serbia / Canterbury), who also managed to contribute from the field.
Evan Clarke (Aston, Pa. / Garnet Valley) had an incredible duration of agile scoring, putting up nine points early in the game. While Jaden Stonework (Clinton, Md. / Gwynn Park) held off Greater Allegheny with phenomenal defense.
New Kensington dominated the majority of the first period and led 45-37 after 20 minutes of play. The team put up 44.7% of points from the field at the half.
New Kensington's aggressive play did not let up during the second period, but Greater Allegheny also picked up their work rate bringing the game within two points at a 47-45 stand still.
The physicality of the game in the second period produced several fouls that paused game activity significantly. Feaster II boosted the team's lead with his free throws tacking on two more points to his game total.
The tail end of the second period was plagued by more fouls from both sides. However, New Kensington continued their scoring spree and resistant defense.
Greater Allegheny went on a great offensive run in the final two minutes of the game and took the lead 79-74. They maintained the lead in an exciting final 15 seconds and finished on top 82-79.
Nonetheless, the sentiment of the men's team thus far into the season is that the plan has always been the same.
While the season descends deeper into a southwestern Pennsylvania winter, the team can be found in the Athletic Center every night from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. where some players take up individual drills prior to practice.
As classes began earlier this week, the team was confident in themselves and their newfound composition. "We feel great," said redshirt freshman Shyheim Flanagan during Tuesday's practice. "We're not really worried about it. We don't really think about it. We just see who is in front of us and deal with them when we get there."
The team managed to stay around .500 throughout the initial part of the season. They opened their second half in impressive fashion on Jan. 7 with the sizable defeat of Community College of Allegheny County, racking up a total of 116 points, the most yet this year.
"We score a lot of points," said redshirt freshman Aubrey Feaster II during Tuesday's practice. "We moved the ball a lot better, and we shot the ball really well, that's it."
Penn State New Kensington men's basketball is set to take on Penn State Scranton at home on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 7:00 p.m..
Written by Matt Heavner, PSNK Athletics Communications Intern
