SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. – Penn State Schuylkill Men's Basketball defeated PSUAC opponent Penn State Lehigh Valley on Saturday.
Amir Gray (Washington, DC / Quince Orchard High School) paced the offense early, scoring seven of the first nine Schuylkill baskets and prompting a Lehigh Valley timeout with 16:44 remaining in the first half.
Following the timeout, Lehigh Valley responded with a 9-1 run, securing their first lead of the contest. As both teams continued to battle throughout the period, Schuylkill gained separation after a three-point basket by Makhi Jones (Harrisburg, PA / Susquehanna Township High School), giving them a 36-29 lead at the 6:47 mark. Schuylkill's lead expanded to double digits by the end of the half.
Dashawn Dixon (Baltimore, MD / Catonsville High School) made a jump shot with 17:37 remaining to extend Schuylkill's lead to 56-42. Lehigh Valley persisted in their efforts, reducing their deficit to three points during the final stages of the contest.
With Lehigh Valley trailing by five and aiming to complete their comeback with 4:02 remaining in the game, Antwuan Byrd (Harrisburg, PA / Bishop McDevitt High School) hit back-to-back three-pointers, giving Schuylkill an 88-77 lead and ultimately securing the victory.
Gray led Schuylkill with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals. Byrd finished with 20 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. Dixon added 10 points and 8 rebounds. Jones scored 12 points off the bench.
Schuylkill (10-12 overall, 7-5 PSUAC) will travel to Penn State Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, January 30th for their next matchup. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m.
