Nittany Lions secure #4 seed in final week of regular season

Hazleton, Pa. - Following their victory over Penn State Lehigh Valley in week 11, Penn State Hazleton found themselves just one win shy of a post season berth. On Tuesday the Lions took full advantage of that opportunity picking up their eighth win of the season in a 72-48 win over Penn State Scranton. Hazleton then finished off the regular season on Friday, falling by a margin of 15 points to Penn State Schuylkill and with that final score in the books, Hazleton will now earn a rematch with Penn State Schuylkill in round one of the PSUAC Eastern Division playoffs. 

Tuesday, February 18: Penn State Hazleton 72, Penn State Scranton 48 - Final

Scranton kept it close early on but the Lions got a combined five triples from first year Frankie Martinelli and second year Topaz Williams-Fripp in the second quarter to build a double-digit lead by halftime. Hazleton out-scored Scranton 42-25 in the middle quarters to lead comfortably in the final 10 minutes of play and Hazleton cruised to the final line with a 24 point advantage. Even though Scranton connected for seven triples of their own compared to Hazleton's eight, the Lions knocked in 46 percent of their attempts on the night while limiting Scranton to 32 percent from the field. 

Martinelli led all players in the game with a season high 23 points. The first year guard shot 50 percent from the field on Tuesday, sinking five triples to help the Lions to victory. Second year Brianna Kennedy backed up Martinelli with a double-double, firing for 18 points, 13 rebounds and five steals while fourth year Azaria Johnson filled the stat sheet with 10 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. 

Friday, February 21: Penn State Schuylkill 57, Penn State Hazleton 42 - Final

Hazleton welcomed their potential post-season rival to the Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium on Friday night looking to knock off the top team in the east in the regular season finale, but Hazleton struggled out of the gates. Schuylkill steadily connected from the field in the first period putting Hazleton at a 20-0 disadvantage towards the end of the first period. The Lions finally got on the board in the final minute of play but the damage had been done. Hazleton out-scored the Schuylkill squad in the final three quarters but ultimately fell by 15 points to close out the regular season. 

Hazleton's 1-for-16 effort from the field in the first quarter was followed by a quality 30 minutes of play that saw three players reach double-figures. Frankie Martinelli knocked in four triples to lead Hazleton with 14 points while Azaria Johnson and Brianna Kennedy both went for 11 in the loss. Johnson added seven rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot with Kennedy adding eight rebounds and five steals respectively. 

Friday night's loss means the Lions will travel to Penn State Schuylkill on Monday, Februar 24 for round one of the PSUAC playoffs. Hazleton will try to channel their effort from the final 30 minutes of Friday night's battle as they look to hand the top seeded Schuylkill squad an early exit in round one. Tip-off on Monday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in Schuylkill Haven, Pa.