Nittany Lions suffer losses to Dubois and Shenango in weekend series with PSUAC West

Hazleton, Pa. - The Hazleton Nittany Lions fell to 4-5 in PSUAC play with a pair of losses over the weekend. Hazleton was out-matched on both Friday and Saturday, falling to Penn State DuBois on January 17th by the score of 80-38 followed by a loss to Penn State Shenango on Saturday by the score of 86-54. 

Friday, January 17: Penn State DuBois 80, Penn State Hazleton 38 - Final

Just five days back from the winter break and playing without senior Azaria Johnson, the Nittany Lions struggled to produce much offense on Friday. DuBois ran out to an 8-0 lead and never looked back. Keeping the Nittany Lions stagnant on the offensive side of the floor. Hazleton managed just single digits on the scoreboard in each of the first three quarters, limiting Hazleton to just over 23 percent shooting on the night and forced the Lions in 18 turnovers. DuBois continued racked up 47 first half points, pacing Hazleton with 10 triples in the win. The Lions played better in the second half, limiting the opponent to 33 points, but the lack of offense and DuBois' effort on the glass kept Hazleton trailing all night. 

Second year players Brianna Kennedy and Topaz-Williams Fripp accounted for most the of the Lions scoring in the loss. Kennedy totaled team highs with 12 points and 12 rebounds to go along with five assists and three steals while Willimas-Fripp registered 11 points and eight rebounds in the losing effort. 

Saturday, January 18: Penn State Shenango, 86, Penn State Hazleton 54 - Final

Saturday's game looked a lot like Friday's contest at the start with Hazleton struggling to find the bottom of the net. Shenango jumped out to a 22-5 lead after the first quarter but the Lions played a much tighter game in the final 30 minutes of play. Despite trailing by 22 points at the half, Hazleton had some opportunities to get back in the game. The Lions combined to shoot over 34 percent from the field, hit the glass for 40 rebounds and went 14-for-16 at the charity stripe. Unfortunately for the Lions, Shenango baited the squad into 32 turnover, limiting Hazleton's scoring opportunities as they slowly extended their lead in the second half, taking the game comfortably by the score of 86-54. 

Kennedy led Hazleton once again, this time going for a season-high 28 points to go along with 13 rebounds. Williams-Fripp added 14 points in defeat, including two triples, six rebounds and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. 

Hazleton will look to get back in the win column for the first time this semester as the Lions square off with Penn State Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium.