KEUKA PARK, N.Y. (February 12, 2011) - The Penn State Berks men's basketball team's comeback bid came up short in a 79-73 loss to Keuka College on Saturday afternoon in a North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) contest at the Weed Physical Arts Center.
The loss drops the Nittany Lions (8-14, 8-8 NEAC) a half game behind idle Morrisville State for the sixth and final playoff spot in the conference standings. Keuka, who has already been eliminated from playoff contention, improved to 5-14 overall and 4-11 in the NEAC after splitting the season series with Berks.
The Storm built a 39-28 advantage by halftime and built as much as an 18 point lead with 8:11 remaining in the contest The Nittany Lions were able to cut the deficit to three points with 1:47 left to play, but would not get any closer.
Tore Turner fueled the rally by recording 11 of his team-leading 19 points in final seven minutes, 40 seconds. Turner also dished out five assists and registered three steals in the game. Dontale King, who finished with 13 points, knocked down one of his two 3-pointers during the comeback effort. Nate Weldon chipped in with 11 points and four steals.
Putter Brown shot 10-for-14 at the free throw line and finished with a game-high 22 points. Diamond Booker added 21 points, 18 rebounds and three blocks for the Storm.
The Storm shot 52.7% (29-for-55) from the field, while the Nittany Lions were held to 38.0% (27-for-71). Keuka dominated on the glass, outrebounding Berks 53-25. The Lions did force 33 turnovers and only committed 12 themselves.
Berks will continue its fight for a playoff spot against NEAC leading Wells College tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m.
