Roaring Lions Continue to Roll, Now 11-0 in PSUAC Play

DuBois, PA- At the onset of the game, the Penn State Fayette Roaring Lions (11-0, 15-3) found themselves in what appeared to be a traditional battle with rival conference opponent Penn State DuBois (5-7, 6-12).  Coming into the game, DuBois was 6-2 in their last eight games and gaining momentum on a very tight PSUAC post season race.  After DuBois opened a quick lead, the teams began trading baskets.  At around the 14:00 mark, Fayette tied the game at 20 and never looked back on their way to a 99-70 PSUAC road win.  

"We had a great night of practice on Monday, and we preach that we win games in the previous day's practice.  DuBois improved on their roster, and it is showing in their second semester play," commented Coach Mookie John.  He added, "They've got some tremendous post-play, and a great leader in Senior Derrick Williams.  We've played against him for four years, and he's one of those formidable opponents that you enjoy playing twice a year.  We've been a part of some great games in those four years against Derrick and his teammates."

Post-play and guard-play alike seemed to belong to the Roaring Lions after that 14:00 minute mark in the first half.  Sophomore guard Tony Bristol was an immediate spark off of the bench tonight, as he quickly picked up the pace with his defensive efforts and transition-led offense.  Led by Senior forward Matt McKenna's 19 first half points, Fayette ran out a 31 to 10 run to finish the half, keeping DuBois off of the scoreboard for the last 6 minutes.

The second half began with a fury of long range fire, as multiple Roaring Lions began to shoot their way out of a DuBois zone.  With a little over 10:00 minutes left to play, Fayette had close to a 40-point lead, and the Roaring Lion bench began empty.  "Everyone contributed, and everyone played a part.  Whether he was in the game or on the bench, each one of our 16 guys kept their focus and stayed 'in the game'," said John.

The Roaring Lions again saw several players in double figures, and all but two scored in the winning effort.  "Our Seniors played with a lot of heart tonight.  They know it's coming down to the end, and they're certainly taking the right attitude toward the home stretch," commented John.

Senior Forward Jake Bronder continued to dominate PSUAC play.  Going up against DuBois' Sam Roselli, the PSUAC field goal percentage leader, Bronder was willing and able to accept the challenge.  He and his teammates held Roselli to 6 points and 5 rebounds.  "(Sean) Smoggie did a great job watching him when I was out of the game.  We knew coming in what Roselli was capable of, so we tried to prepare ourselves the best way we could," said Bronder.

Senior forward Dierre Jenkins hit two quick three's at the start of the second half, and they seemed to spark Fayette's offensive enthusiasm.   

Official statistics were unavailable at post time.  We will update them as soon as we are able.  The Roaring Lions take to the road again this weekend, as they travel to Hazleton on Saturday and Lehigh Valley on Sunday.