Men’s Basketball Defeats Hazleton, 68–56, Moves On

Penn State York Men's Basketball defeated #6 seed Penn State Hazleton, 68–56, in the opening round of the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Playoffs in a home game Wednesday, Feb. 14. York moves on to the Final Four weekend, held at Penn State Brandywine in Media, Pennsylvania, and will play #2 Brandywine in a semifinal matchup Saturday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m.

Khalil White (Cheltenham, Pennsylvania / Cheltenham) scored 10 of his 15 points for Penn State York in a back-and-forth first half, as neither team could build a lead past five or so points. York would lead 32–27 going into the break, but came out firing in the second half.

With 10:00 to play, York had built a 20-point lead, and the home team would lead by as many as 25 at one point. Hazleton put together a 14–0 run to make the score more respectable, but it was too little, too late for the visitors.

Penn State York dominated the boards in the second half, and enjoyed a 43–32 rebounding advantage for the game as a whole. The team also hit 14 of 18 free throws, continuing its recent excellent shooting from the foul line. In an area which has often hurt the team both last year and at times this season, free throw shooting has given a huge lift to York during its current five-game winning streak, as the team is shooting an even 75% from the line in that span.

Junior Richard Grant (York, Pennsylvania / Susquehannock) led all scorers with 22 points and 17 huge rebounds, also recording 2 blocks. Grant got to the line three times as often as any other player, making 8 of 9 foul shots. White was the only other member of Penn State York in double figures, with his 15 points, but York received a number of other significant contributions.

Larry Rasoe (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania / Susquehanna Township) played all 40 minutes and dished out 11 assists running the offense, while also grabbing 6 rebounds and a steal. Justin Luton (Baltimore, Maryland / Newtown) scored 9 points, pulled down 12 rebounds, and blocked two shots. Jonny Sutton (York, Pennsylvania / Dallastown) hit three 3-pointers for 9 points in 31 minutes off the bench.