Hazleton Wins Shootout In A Tale of Two Halves

Hazleton, PA – Five Nittany Lions finished in double digits as Penn State Hazleton got back in the win column against Penn State University Athletic  Conference opponent New Kensington on Sunday afternoon.

Leading the way for Penn State Hazleton were freshman standouts Jordan Singletary and Jacob Solano. Singletary (Houston, TX) scored 14 points, secured 15 rebounds and blocked 8 shots. Solano (Bethlehem, PA) eclipsed the 20 point mark for the eighth time this season finishing with 24 points on 10 of 17 shots. Rounding out the Lions offense were Chris Woodring with 15 points and 8 assists, Diamir Williams with 14 points and 8 rebounds, and Tyreek Fairfax adding 10 points respectively.

Points came easy early in the contest as both teams traded baskets midway through the first half.  New Kensington (6-12, 4-9 PSUAC) shot their way to a 7 point halftime lead on the back of sophomore guard Jordan Williams who recorded 18 first half points with 4 field goals coming from beyond the arc. Penn State Hazleton (7-10, 5-7 PSUAC) picked up the defensive effort in the second half, challenging the sharp-shooting New Kensington offense and rebounding the ball effectively. Hazleton's stout defense turned into efficient second half shooting, erasing the 7 point deficit and pulling away to a convincing 11 point victory.

Guard Jordan Williams and forward Shaquille Hager lead an impressive offensive attack for the New Kensington squad. Hager concluded the contest with 22 points on 10 of 14 shooting while Williams continued to punish the Lions from beyond the arc finishing with a game-high 28 points, going 6 for 11 from 3-point territory.

Penn State Hazleton will look to continue its success at home Wednesday night in an 8:00pm tip-off against conference opponent Penn State Schuylkill.