Men’s Basketball Bumped from Playoffs by Brandywine, 80–69
Despite White’s 29, Grant’s double-double, Penn State York can’t repeat upset from 11 days earlier
Facing Penn State Brandywine for the second time in 11 days, Penn State York couldn't pull off another upset, falling in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Semifinals, 80–69. York, seeded third in the playoffs, knocked off #2 Brandywine in York a week and a half ago, when Brandywine was at the top of the conference standings, but York couldn't quite get the edge in this close rematch in Media, Pennsylvania.
Sophomore Khalil White (Cheltenham, Pennsylvania / Cheltenham) scored 12 of Penn State York's first 22 points, as York jumped out to an early lead. Up by as many as 8, York held the lead until 2:46 remained in the first half when a James Fisher layup evened the score at 40. Both teams shot 50% or better in the first half, and Brandywine carried a one-point lead into the break, up 44–43.
In an evenly-matched second half, Penn State York again maintained a lead from the start, but a Brandywine three with 14:07 to play wrested the lead back away from York, and this time it was for good.
The teams would trade buckets for the next 10 minutes, York clawing its way back each time Brandywine seemed to build a bit of a lead, getting as close as 70–69 after two Derrick Hoffman (Manchester, Pennsylvania / Northeastern) free throws with 5:30 to play. Penn State York suddenly went cold, as Hoffman's free throws were the last points the team would score as the visitors had to resort to three-point tries and fouling to stop the clock.
Penn State Brandywine shot a blistering 13–25 (52%) from distance and made 11–13 free throws, key in closing the game. Brandywine also outrebounded York inside, 40–32, in an otherwise evenly-matched affair.
White led all scorers with 29 points, going 7–14 from three-point range. Junior Richard Grant (York, Pennsylvania / Susquehannock) recorded yet another double-double, his eleventh on the year, scoring 18 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and blocking 3 shots.
Sophomore Larry Rascoe (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania / Susquehanna Township) recorded 5 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Junior Justin Luton (Baltimore, Maryland / Newtown) recorded 5 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block, while sophomore Joey O'Dwyer (Baltimore, Maryland / Dulaney) had 3 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.
In 20 minutes off the bench, Hoffman, a junior, recorded 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal.
One season removed from narrow losses in both the PSUAC and United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Championship games, Penn State York boasts yet another trip to the playoffs and can be proud of how the team played. Coach Parrish Petry, last season's PSUAC Coach of the Year, can look forward to returning the core of his team next year, in what should be another good year for Penn State York basketball.