Pictured" Tristian Pierce
PSUD Men Get Much Needed Conference Win
Friday night Penn State DuBois men's basketball played host to PSUAC opponent Penn State Brandywine. PSUD used a 52-38 second half advantage to go home with a much needed 97-80 conference win. The large point differential for PSUD was gained mainly from making 31 (31-45) free throws compared to Brandywine's 25 (15-25) attempted free throws. The scoreboard was locked at 8-8 four minutes into the contest, until PSUD went on a 15-2 run as Tristan Pierce (Lancaster,OH) poured in 11 points during the run. Brandywine would answer with a run (19-4) of their own from 13:06 to the 8:21 mark managing to take the lead 29-27. The rest of the first half played out almost evenly, PSUD's Adam Szklanka (Dushore,Pa) hit a 3 at the buzzer to give PSUD the halftime lead 44-42.
Four minutes into the second half, PSUD found themselves down 51-47. Balance scoring, better ball movement, and finishing defensive possessions lead PSUD to the lead middle of the way through the second half. With 6:26 left in the game PSUD gained a 15 point advantage spurred from a quick 7 points from Kyle Mills (Bushkill,Pa). PSUD would close the game out at the end going 9-12 from the free throw line in the last two minutes.
"Our early run was what we talked about pregame, we have been stressing to have a fast start. The cruise control on the defensive end after the run however is not good. We need to be more consistent with our defensive effort for 40 minutes" said head coach Dylan Howard. "The guys all work hard on their own time to get extra shots up, tonight that's what won us this much needed conference win" also stated Howard.
Tristan Pierce lead all scorers with 33 points (6-11 from 3, 9-12 ft) and 7 rebounds. Louie Conde (Ewing,Nj) had another stat stuffer contest with 21 points (14-18 ft), 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals. Kyle Mills also chipped in with 14 points and 5 rebounds.
PSUD will host conference foe Penn State Beaver Wednesday night at 8 pm.