The Roaring Lions Finish Season Strong Going 2-1 in the USCAA National Tournament
LEMONT FURNACE—with the season winding down, the Fayette Men's basketball team prepared for what was going to be the toughest part of their schedule. As the 7th seed, the Roaring Lions played a total of three games over the past week. The Roaring Lions walked away with 2 wins finishing in the top 6 out of 10 teams.
On Mar. 2, The Roaring Lions played the Mustangs of Central Maine CC. The Roaring Lions were once again led by senior captains Luke Williams and Brandon Cunningham. Williams had a phenomenal night scoring 33 points in 37 minutes. Williams was impressive from the 3 point line going 13-23 (56.5%), while also going 5-6 (83.3%) from the free throw line. Cunningham was not too far behind Williams, tallying 28 points on the night. Cunningham was a beast on defense grabbing 5 defensive rebounds while also picking up 7 steals. Like always, London Hoxie was solid from the bench grabbing 13 points in only 18 minutes of playing time. Along with his 18 points, he was able to snag 5 rebounds.
Carrington Miller was Central Maine's best player on the night tallying a team high 20 points. Rob Skinner and Pietro Badalassi weren't far behind both putting up double digits. Skinner tallied 19 while Badalassi recorded a double-double scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Roaring Lions led by 6 points at half with a score of 46 to 40.
Fayette edged Central Maine in two team statistics categories, 3 pointers and free throws. Fayette went 9-30 (30.0%) to Maines 5-18 (27.8%). Fayette was near perfect from the free throw line going 18-20 (90.0%) to Maine's 14-18 (77.8%).
The Roaring Lions may have started off the game slow, but rallied at half time. Coming into the second half, the Fayette men took charge of the game rallying to beat Central Maine CC 93 to 81.
Fayette is set to host the number 2 seed Central Penn College, Thursday, March 3 at 2:00pm in the quarter-finals in the Main Gym.
On Mar. 3, the Fayette Men's basketball team took on the 2nd seeded Central Penn College in the quarter finals of the USCAA National Championship. The Roaring Lions came out firing on all cylinders taking charge of the first half. Unfortunately, the Roaring Lions got themselves into foul trouble having 3 of their 5 starters foul out and a total of 4 players foul out. Fayette was led by Luke Williams who netted 22 points on the night. With all the foul trouble, Dominick Jackson stepped up in huge way notching a season high 22 points. C.J Gaddis played a full forty minutes tallying 19 points on the night. Spencer Perieff was a monster under the hoop grabbing 8 defensive rebounds and a total of 10 on the night.
Tyree Tucker led the way for Central Penn recording his 5th double-double on the season scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Central Penn's starters were all consistent, with all five of them putting up double digit points.
Fayette would have the lead at half with a score of 50 to 47. Fayette had the edge in 3 point shots completing 9-29 (31.0%) to Central Penn's 3-17 (17.6%)
The Roaring Lions grabbed an early lead, but only shortly into the second half found themselves in foul trouble. Tony Bristol was able to force overtime scoring a crucial rebound with 16 seconds left. Unfortunately, they were not able to come through in the end losing a heart breaking 110 to 102.
Fayette will host Penn State Mont Alto in a consolation game in a PSUAC Championship rematch. Fayette will play Friday, March 4th at 10:00am at the Maltho Gym.
On Mar.4, The Roaring Lions played Penn State Mont Alto in a rematch of the PSUAC Championship. The Roaring Lions came in with their game faces on looking to avenge their loss in the PSUAC Championship. Fayette came out strong and didn't look back, scoring 59 points in the first half to Mont Alto's 39. Brandon Cunningham had a monstrous game scoring 36 points on the night. Cunningham was great from the 3 point line making ten 3 pointers, one short of the USCAA National tournament record. Luke Williams had another outstanding game recording his first double-double scoring 23 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. William also had 9 assists on the night, just one short of a triple-double. C.J. Gaddis had his best game of the tournament scoring 22 points to finish off his senior year. 10 players on Fayette recorded at least 3 points or more and all 14 players saw playing time on the court.
Cody Rydbom led the way for Mont Alto netting 14 points on the night. Freshman standout, Jalen Smith, led the team in rebounds, grabbing 10. Jerome Evans was second on the team in scoring for the night posting 12 points.
Fayette led in every shooting statistic. Fayette made 41-88 (46.6%) field goals to Mont Altos 34-83 (41.0%). The Roaring Lions went an impressive 50.0% from the 3 point line going 23 for 46. Mont Alto was not so impressive, sinking only 5 of their 30 3 pointers. Fayette was also very impressive from the free throw line nailing 91.7% of their free throws to Mont Altos 72.0%.
Fayette finishes their season on a high note with a huge win over PSUAC Champions Penn State Mont Alto with a score of 116-91. Fayette concludes their season with an overall record of 17-12.
On behalf of the Penn State Fayette Athletic Department, we would like to congratulate the Fayette men's basketball on an outstanding season, and also like to wish the seniors, Luke Williams, C.J. Gaddis, and Brandon Cunningham the best of luck in their future.