Men's Basketball Tips off 24-25 Season Opener at Mont Alto Tournament

Newtown, PA:  In an exhilarating season opener, Penn State Du Bois secured a decisive victory against Bucks County Community College with a final score of 111-97. The game, held on November 1, 2024, at Penn State Mont Alto, showcased impressive performances from both teams, but it was Penn State Du Bois who ultimately dominated the court.

**First Half Highlights:**
The first half set the tone for a competitive match, with Penn State Du Bois leading 54-48. Kaleb Pryor emerged as a standout player, contributing significantly to his team's lead with 31 points, including an impressive 14-17 from the free-throw line. Ashton Fortson and Niare Poplar also made notable contributions, scoring 15 and 19 points respectively. Bucks County's Jaquis Heath kept his team in the game with 27 points, showcasing his scoring prowess.

**Second Half Action:**
The second half saw Penn State Du Bois extend their lead, outscoring Bucks County 57-49. Beau Verdill's performance was instrumental, as he secured a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The team's overall shooting accuracy, with a field goal percentage of 44.6% and a free-throw percentage of 79.4%, proved crucial in maintaining their lead.

**Team Statistics:**
Penn State Du Bois demonstrated superior rebounding skills, securing 50 rebounds compared to Bucks County's 40. Both teams were evenly matched in terms of steals and blocks, each recording 13 steals and 4 blocks. However, Bucks County struggled with turnovers, committing 26 compared to Penn State Du Bois's 20.

**Technical Fouls and Officiating:**
The game was not without its challenges, as Bucks County faced three technical fouls, including one each for George Merion and Jaquis Heath, as well as a team technical. The officiating team, consisting of Franklin, Miller, and Colegrove, managed the game effectively, ensuring fair play throughout.

 Bucks County Community College Centurions, despite the loss,  will look to refine their strategies in their next contest . Bucks is putting up points and looking to build on their performance.