Lions Win Home Opener

Monaca, PA-  The Penn State Beaver Men's basketball team hosted the Yellow Jackets of Waynesburg in its 2011 season home opener.  The Lions were coming off a tough loss (71-70) to La Roche College on Wednesday.

Beaver opened the game on a 6-0 run, capped off by a steal and layup by Junior Nick Miller (Beaver Falls/Beaver Falls, PA).  The Lions led by as many as 11 in the first half, when at the 12:33 mark, Freshman Mike Martin (Dublin Jermone/Dublin, OH) connected on his first 3 pointer of the night.  Waynesburg cut the lead to 4 with 30 seconds left.  With three seconds left in the half, Junior Tyler Care (Lincoln Park/Hopewell, PA) hit a three pointer to give Beaver a 39-32 half time lead.

Miller opened the second half hitting a three of his own to give Beaver a 10 point lead.  The Lions led three times by 17 points before Waynesburg started clawing back in.  The Yellow Jackets cut the lead to seven before Senior Tony Houghton (Perry Traditional/Pittsburgh, PA) connected on two free throws not only to put Beaver up 9, but also scoring his careeer points 1000 & 1001.  From that point, each team exchanged free throws and fouls, and Beaver held on for the 85-77 win.

It was an even scoring night for the Lions.  Houghton led Beaver with 15 points.  Miller added 14, freshman Rob Agurs (Farrell/Farrell, PA) 13, Care 12, and Senior Darius Prince 10.  Turnovers were huge for Beaver, with 26 for the night.

Beaver now sits at 2-1 on the season.  The men will return to action Tuesday when they host Geneva College.  Tip-off will follow the women's game (6PM).  It is free T-shirt night, and the first 100 in attendance will get a free PSU Beaver Athletics T-shirt.