Dallas, PA- The Lions stayed out east as they traveled to 3rd ranked PSU Wilkes-Barre for their second PSUAC showdown in as many days.
New Kensington started hot, going on an 18-6 run over the first five and a half minutes of gametime. Wilkes-Barre responded in convincing fashion, going on a 23-6 run of their own to take a 29-24 lead with just over six minutes remaining in the half. Both teams continued to trade buckets, with the Lions entering the half down 41-37.
The Lions continued to trail throughout the beginning of the second half, calling a timeout down 63-55 with just over 10 minutes remaining. New Kensington used a quick 10-2 run, capped off by a three from freshmen guard Ta'Rasi Means (Plum, PA) to take their first lead since the 8:18 mark of the first half.
Things stayed tight down the stretch, as both teams traded the lead back and forth, with Wilkes-Barre taking a 79-78 lead with 1:26 to go. Means responded on the following possession, driving in for what ended up being the game winning layup with just under 40 seconds to go. Sophomore guard Aubrey Feaster (Buffalo, NY) got a steal on the next possession, and the Lions made their free throws down the stretch on their way to an 86-79 upset.
Feaster led all scorers with 25 points and 6 rebounds on the day. Fellow guard Shyheim Flanagan (Breaux Bridge, LA) added 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Means led all bench scorers with 11 of his own. Sophomore forward Benjamin Cunningham (Woodbridge, VA) had a solid night in the paint, scoring 10 points in only 17 minutes.
The Lions will look to continue their winning ways this Saturday, December 17th as they welcome Grove City College to the athletic center for a nonconference matchup.
Stay tuned at PSNKathletics.com.
