Lions Top PSU Brandywine, Earn 3rd Straight Victory.

Hazleton, PA – Jacob Solano continued to be a nightmare for defenses as Hazleton prevailed Saturday afternoon at the Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium in what was a closely contested matchup against Penn State University Athletic Conference opponent PSU Brandywine.

Solano (Bethlehem, PA) found the bottom of the net 12 times in the ballgame, scortching the Brandwyine defense for 28 points, shooting over 50 percent from the field with 2 of 3 baskets coming from long range distance.  Joining Solano in double-figures were teammates Chris Woodring (Hazleton, PA) and Jordan Singletary (Houston, TX). Woodring tossed in 15 points for Lions, adding 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals to his credit. Singletary fought off early foul trouble to finish with 14 points and 3 blocked shots.

Taking advantage of early turnovers, Solano and Woodring converted on the offensive end to spur a 12-0 run to begin the game. Brandywine slowly chipped away at the Hazleton lead, forcing the Lions' regulars into early foul trouble, converting 8 of 8 free throws, cutting the lead to just one point at the half. Brandywine continued its strong play early in second half, taking their first lead of the game at the 17 minute mark. Diamir Williams (Philadelhia, PA) rallied the Lions with a layup and two 3-point scores, sparking an 11-2 Hazleton run midway through the final period, giving the lead back to Hazleton. Brandywine was not willing to submit to Lions, clawing their way out of an 8 point deficit to take a one point lead with just 50 seconds remaining. Jordan Singletary hit two clutch free throws to give a slim one point lead back to the Lions. In the final seconds on the contest, Hazleton's Rich Abreu (Hazleton, PA) stepped in to take a charge, fouling out Brandywine's top scorer Amir Davis, turning over the opponent, and sealing Hazleton's 3^rd straight victory.

Penn State Brandywine was led by a trio of players including Amir Davis, James Fisher, and Cyrie Spencer. Matching Solano for a game-high 28 points was Amir Davis. Davis shot 66 percent from the field, 2 for 3 from beyond the arc, 6 of 6 from the free throw line and adding 7 rebounds. Equally potent on the offensive end was Brandywine guard James Fisher. Fisher nailed four 3-pointers in the contest, finishing with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Cyrie Spencer, held down the Brandywine defense, securing 11 rebounds and 6 steals in the contest.

With their 3^rd consecutive win, Penn State Hazleton finds itself on the bubble for playoff contention. The team will travel to Penn State Mont Alto Sunday, February 8^th to take on its final regular season opponent at 3pm.