Men’s Basketball Set to Host Tip-off Tournament After Offensive Explosion
The PSUGA Men's Basketball team scored 149 points last time out and look to continue the offense as they head towards the PSUGA Tip-off Tournament,
McKeesport, PA. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Men’s Basketball team (1-0, 0-0) had a historic start to the 2019-2020 season when they scored 149 points in their Monday win over Butler County CC. PSUGA looks to keep the offense going as they host the PSUGA Tip-off Tournament, taking on Kent State Tuscarawas (1-1, 0-0) on Friday at 5 p.m.
The PSUGA offense put up historic numbers in game one breaking four different school records in the win. They set new marks for most points scored (149), Assists (34), Field Goals Made (61) and steals (26) in a single game on their way to the 143-71 victory. It was an all-around team effort as everyone who dressed got a chance to play in the season opening win.
After the two teams battled to a 6-5 score over the first three minutes of the game, PSUGA went on an 8-3 run followed by an 18-0 run that put them ahead 30-11 with 12 minutes left in the first half. PSUGA would score 49 points over those final 12 minutes, including six three-pointers, to head into the locker room ahead 79-36. The 79 points were the most points scored in any one half in program history.
The second half allowed head coach Tyler Care to put in some of his bench players. They helped PSUGA to a 70-point half on their way to the victory. Kenny Eleam (Pittsburgh, PA./Taylor Allderdice HS) had six second half points while Sullivan Conway (Brentwood, PA./Brentwood HS) added five points in the final three minutes of the game.
Leading the way on offense was junior Koran Fleming (Wilkinsburg, PA./Westinghouse HS) who scored a career-high 41 points, including nine three-pointers, in the win. PSUGA has started 1-0 in each of the last seven years. This year, they begin the road to a fifth straight playoff berth. With many young players on the team, PSUGA looks to bring the next generation of basketball players into their winning tradition.
They will start the PSUGA Tip-off Tournament taking on Kent State Tuscarawas on day one. The Golden Eagles are off to a 1-1 start this season and are coming off of an 85-78 overtime win against Penn State Shenango on Wednesday. Four different Golden Eagles finished in double digits with Arthur Jackson leading the way with 18 points on the day.
Previous Matchups
Friday will be the second time that PSUGA has matched up against Kent State Tuscarawas. PSUGA leads the all-time series with a record of 1-0. Their only game came on November 7th 2014 when PSUGA picked up a 100-93 win in that year’s PSUGA Tip-off Tournament. Former Lion, and current assistant coach, Khari Hicks had a big day putting up 18 points and six rebounds in the win.
Tip-off for Friday’s game is scheduled for 5 p.m. in the Wunderley gym. Before PSUGA takes on Kent State Tuscarawas, PSU-Fayette will take the court and battle Andrews University, beginning at 2 p.m.