Roaring Lions trump Hazleton/Brandywine

LEMONT FURNACE—Looking to build momentum own the home stretch of the conference schedule, the Penn State Fayette men's basketball team won weekend home games that boosted the team's record to 5-2 in the PSUAC.

    On Jan. 15, the Roaring Lions rode four double figure scorers to an 82-70 win over Penn State Hazleton as Luke Williams scored 19 points, C.J. Gaddis and Brandon Cunningham added 14 points each, and Spencer Perieff scored 10 points. Tony Bristol  was right behind with eight points.

    The Roaring Lions led 50-28 at halftime and surged to a 28 point lead early in the second half before Hazleton battled back and outscored Fayette 32-32 in the final 20 minutes.

    Williams led the hosts with nine rebounds, while Gaddis had four steals, and Marvin Sidon led the team in assists with five off the bench.

    Both teams made 17 of 26 free throws, but Fayette's advantage came on 29 of 60 field gals that included seven 3-point field goals. Gaddis was especially hot from beyond the arc, sinking four of five trey attempts, and Tony Bristol made both of his 3-point shots.

    Hazelton scored 23 field goals in the game and also had seven treys.

    On Saturday, Fayette used a 14-point second half run to rally from nine points behind into the lead, and then held off Penn State Brandywine through serious foul trouble late in the game to win 82-70.

    Brandywine built a 12 point first half lead before Fayette whittled the lead to five points at 36-31 at halftime.

    Fayette outscored Brandywine 55-36 in the second half, but saw Dominick Jackson and Spencer Perieff foul out. Luke Williams, C.J. Gaddis, Brandon Cunningham, London Hoxie, and Tony Bristol all ended the game with four fouls as Brandywine made 26 of 45 free throws, compared to Fayette's 13 of 18 foul shots.

    Cunningham scored 26 points that included five of six 3-point baskets, Williams scored 16 with two treys, Jackson scored 12, Gaddis had 10 points with two treys, and  2 Bristol scored 11 off the bench with one trey.

    Perieff pulled down eight rebounds and Williams grabbed six rebounds. Gaddis had eight assists.

    Fayette had 10 more field goals than Brandywine, including 11 treys, compared to Brandywine's four treys.

     Fayette will host Penn State Greater Allegheny on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. in a key PSUAC game.