Penn State DuBois was still looking for their first win in conference play on Saturday as they hosted Penn State Greater Allegheny in their PSUAC matchup. Coach Howard’s team wanted a win before the break, but they also knew that they had to face one of the best shooters in the conference in Jordon Payne who leads the PSUAC in scoring.
A very quick, back and forth start by both teams saw a lot of shots go up quickly. Payne hit a couple of quick three’s that put Greater Allegheny up early, but DuBois would respond with a Tre’von Williams (Johnstown, PA) three pointer, and a Zack Dahlstrand (Erie, PA) field goal as well. Again turnovers started to plague the DuBois team slowly as Greater Allegheny put on their full court press. Williams would hit his second 3-pointer of the game for DuBois to lift his squad, and Cole Morris (Rimersburg, PA) would make a couple of field goals to keep DuBois in the game.
DuBois had trouble finding an answer for Payne however, as he would get some good looks, and with his quick release end up with 22 points at the half on 6-8 from the 3-point line, and 4 steals. DuBois was shooting well from the field at 12-26, but Greater Allegheny had already made 9 3-point field goals to handle the lead, 45-31.
DuBois came out in the second half with good spirits, and a balanced attack plan. Inside to Dylan Huey (Punxsutawney, PA) was a major factor for DuBois as he would get things going for them in the second half. Turnovers were more under control for DuBois in the second half, and the team was playing solid. Defensively for DuBois they held Payne to only 6 points in the second half, but Greater Allegheny junior, Kenny Rouse stepped up to take over with 11 of his own in the second.
DuBois kept hammering with everything they had, and stayed even with Greater Allegheny. Morris’s 9 second half points would give him 16 on the night, but was also cut short due to foul trouble. With 6:33 left on the clock, Morris would pick up his 5th foul, and have to cheer his team on the rest of the way. Dahlstrand would also foul out with 2:43 left in the game, and have to join Morris as a spectator. DuBois continued to fight, but the first half shooting clinic by Payne would be enough to keep DuBois at bay, and DuBois would lose this one with a final score, 87-70.
Huey ended the night with 14, and Dahlstrand and freshman Joshua Terry (Curwensville, PA) would both chip in 9.
To check out the full schedule, stats, and other info for Penn State DuBois please visit www.psuduboisathletics.com.