Men's Basketball Splits Opening Roadtrip, Wernicki Gets First Win

Men's Basketball Splits Opening Roadtrip, Wernicki Gets First Win

The Penn State Shenango Men's Basketball team opened their season with a challenging two-game road trip, battling hard but ultimately finishing with a split result.

In Game 1 against Bryant & Stratton Buffalo, the Lions showed grit but fell short in a close 78-71 loss. D'Montez Owens led the offensive effort, posting a team-high 27 points, shooting 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, and adding four assists. Malik Davis was a force on the boards with a double-double, collecting 12 rebounds and scoring 19 points. Cameron Brown anchored the defense with 11 rebounds, contributing 11 points and three assists, while Izzy Santiago chipped in with eight points and three assists.

Game 2 brought a different outcome as Penn State Shenango bounced back in thrilling fashion, securing a 105-101 overtime victory against Bryant & Stratton Rochester. This win marked the first for Head Coach Michael Wernicki. Owens again led the scoring effort, notching 33 points on 13-of-26 shooting, while Davis added 30 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks in a powerful all-around performance. Izzy Santiago and Cameron Brown contributed crucial points and assists, helping the Lions emerge victorious in a tightly contested battle that highlighted their resilience.

The Lions look to continue their momentum as they face Defiance on Tuesday, November 5th, with tip-off scheduled for 7 PM.