Penn State Wilkes Barre Captures First USCAA National Championship

Uniontown, PA – Penn State Wilkes Barre made history on Wednesday evening, becoming the first Penn State University Athletic Conference men’s basketball program to capture a national title.  The Lions earned their first USCAA National Championship on the back of tournament MVP Jordan Williams, who had a double-double scoring 20 and bringing down 12 rebounds in their 86-64 win over Johnson & Wales University Charlotte.  The Lions had four players in double figures in the title game, led by Williams and including Ameer Biddle, Levaughn Knight-Soules, and Dominique Stevenson.  Knight Soules, who also was an All-tournament selection had 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists and a steal in only 22 minutes.

After jumping out to an early 12-6 lead, the Lions’ perimeter defense sucked the life out of the Wildcat offense who had combined for 24 three-pointers in their first two wins of the tournament.  Wilkes Barre would go on a 14-2 run to extend their lead to 18.  Late in the first half, Williams scored a layup and on the ensuing possession Stevenson hit a three to push their lead to a first-half high of 24 points. 

In the first two games against Southern Maine CC and Penn State York, Robert Hobson of Johnson & Wales scored 32 points, with 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.  Collectively Hobson and All-tournament selection Kajuan Madden-McAfee shot 56.6% from beyond the arc in their quarter-final and semi-final games.  Penn State Wilkes Barre held the two to 28% and slowed the pace of the Wildcat scoring attack.  Meanwhile, the Lions got outstanding production from their bench, outscoring Johnson & Wales 35-16 with their reserves. 

Madden-McAfee finished the title game with 18 points to lead the Wildcat offense. He added a game-best seven assists to go along with five rebounds and three steals. Majerle Poole posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. 

Under the leadership of USCAA Coach of the Year LeShawn Hammett, Penn State Wilkes Barre finishes their title season 18-1 in conference play with an overall record of 25-5.

Men’s D2 Tournament MVP

Jordan Williams | Sr. Guard | Penn State Wilkes Barre

Men’s D2 All-Tournament Team

Anthony Bennett Jr. | Sr. Guard | Penn State York

Tyrone Hilson | Sr. Forward | Vermont Tech

Kajuan Madden-McAfee | So. F/C | Johnson & Wales University Charlotte

Levaughn Knight-Soules | So. F/C | Penn State Wilkes Barre

Robert Hobson | Jr. Guard | Johnson & Wales University Charlotte