Wilkes-Barre Pulls Upset over Beaver

Strong second half from WIlkes-Barre stuns crowd as they defeated the three-time defending champs

Wilkes-Barre Pulls Upset over Beaver
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February 24, 2012

By: Alexis Shelton

Mont Alto, PA- The Men's Basketball Team of Penn State Beaver (21-5, 16-2 PSUAC) played in the final four round of the PSUAC playoffs this afternoon against Penn State Wilkes-Barre (Lehman, PA), looking to keep the PSUAC trophy with them for a fourth year in a row.

Chris Weathers (New Brighton/New Brighton, PA) opened up the game with a quick layup as Beaver took an early 15-6 run. Weathers expanded their lead to ten (25-15) with just under nine minutes left as Beaver continued to take control of the game. Wilkes-Barre brought the game within five with 30 seconds left in the half, but Julian Taylor (Rochester/Rochester, PA) had a layup in the closing seconds. Beaver went into halftime ahead 42-35.

Things changed however in the second half, as Wilkes-Barre went on an 8-2 run to bring the game within one (44-43) with 16:54 remaining. Tyler Care (Lincoln Park/Hopewell, PA) hit a three pointer to expand Beaver's lead; but things quickly changed when Wilkes-Barre went on a 13-8 run to take a 56-55 lead with 12:54 remaining. This was their first lead of the game as well. Beaver trailed by as much as eight (59-67), but soon started to make a comeback. Taylor tied the game at 80 (1:56) and free throws from Tony Hougton (Perry/Pittsburgh, PA) gave Beaver the lead back (82-80). Wilkes-Barre closeed the game on a 6-0 run unfortunately, as Beaver went on to lose 86-83.

Nick Miller (Beaver Falls/Beaver Falls, PA) lead all scorers with 26 points, followed by Weathers with 15, Taylor with 12, and Houghton and Darius Prince (West Mifflin/Pittsburgh, PA) with 11 each. Beaver shot 39.1% from the field, including 21.1% from three point range, and 74.4% from the free throw line.

Beaver will be in the USCAA National Tournament beginning March 6, 2012.