MBB falls at PS New Kensington
New Kensington, PA - The Penn State Fayette men's basketball went on the road to Penn State New Kensington Wednesday night and fell in Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) action, 76-61.
"We have to be able to take care of the basketball, and it is that simple," said head coach Marcus Thomas. "We are continuing to struggle with pressure and are making too many mental mistakes. It is something that continues to be a major issue for us and something we need to learn from."
Fayette (8-12 overall, 6-8 PSUAC) led by as many as five points in the first half but turned the ball over 37 times, compared to 10 turnovers for New Kensington (4-16, 3-11), and that was a big difference. The hosts held a 27-8 advantage in points off of turnovers and took 14 more shots.
Both teams made 25 shots, with Fayette shooting 45% (25-56) while New Kensington only shot 36% (25-70). Another advantage for the hosts was at the foul line as they made 17 (out of 33 attempts for 52%) while Fayette only made four (out of 13 attempts for 31%). Fayette was called for 24 fouls while New Kensington was called for 16.
Iman Young (Silver Springs, MD/West Potomac HS) recorded his 10th double-double of the season after finishing with 18 points and 18 rebounds. Tavian Mozie (McClellandtown, PA/Albert Gallatin HS) added 13 points, Justin Craigg (Newark, DE/Newark HS) scored 12 points and Josh Hart (Morgantown, WV/Trinity Christian HS) finished with 10 points.
Hasaan Ismaeli led four New Kensington players in double figures with 20 points.
Thomas said the team will continue to work and try to improve.
"We are not learning from our mistakes right now and it is costing us," he said. "We'll work and prepare to be better come Saturday."
Fayette hosts Mont Alto Saturday at 3 PM in a PSUAC contest.
For more information on the men's basketball team, go to https://www.psfathletics.com/sports/mbkb/index or follow us on Instagram @fayetteathletics.