UTICA, N.Y. (January 30, 2011) – The Nittany Lions came to life in the final minute and a half, but it was too late as the Penn State Berks men's basketball team dropped its North Eastern Athletic Conference contest, 90-83, to SUNYIT.
After scoring just nine points in five minutes, the Nittany Lions (6-12, 6-6 NEAC) netted 14 in the final minute and 26 seconds. Unfortunately for Berks, the 17 point deficit was too much to overcome. In the scoring frenzy, the Lions were 5-for-6 shooting and hit four 3-pointers.
The Wildcats (10-9, 9-4 NEAC) led 45-36 at halftime and twice built a lead of 20 points in the second half.
The Lions had five players score in double figures. Tore Turnerand Tom Smith each had 18 points. Smith grabbed 10 rebounds to record his third double-double of the season. Turner dished out six assists and recorded four steals, while Smith had six steals.
Dontez Reid added 14 points, while Dontale King (11 points) and Connor Hough (10) rounded out the Lions in double digits.
Turner and King combined for 6-of-10 shooting from 3-point land. The Lions finished with 41.7% shooting from long distance, a strong improvement on yesterday's 2-for-12 effort.
The Wildcats held a 49-37 rebounding edge and outscored the Lions 50-32 in the paint. The Wildcats committed 21 turnovers, while the Lions had just 13.
Dave Golembiowski finished with a game-high 28 points and 17 rebounds. Justin Brignola added 14 points and Calvin Logins scored 12.
The Lions will return to action with a pair of NEAC matches next weekend against Cazenovia and Morrisville State at Beaver Community Center. Both contests will tip-off at 3 p.m.
Â
