Hazleton, PA- In an exciting collegiate basketball matchup, Penn State Beaver edged out Penn State Hazleton with a final score of 72-68 on November 21, 2025. The game, held at the Penn State Hazleton Gym, was a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
**First Half Dominance by Beaver**
Penn State Beaver took an early lead in the first half, finishing with a 37-30 advantage. Jermaine Knaff was instrumental in establishing this lead, contributing 13 points with an impressive shooting performance, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. The team's overall shooting accuracy of 45.5% helped them maintain control.
**Hazleton's Second Half Surge**
Despite trailing, Penn State Hazleton mounted a strong comeback in the second half, outscoring Beaver 38-35. Shamell Ponds led Hazleton's efforts with 16 points, showcasing his efficiency by converting all four of his free-throw attempts. However, their struggle from the three-point line, hitting only 18.8% of their attempts, hindered their ability to overtake Beaver.
**Key Performances and Team Efforts**
For Penn State Beaver, balanced scoring was key, with contributions from multiple players. Joe Pinto and Ny'zir Dix each added 10 points, while Jiyhad Bobbitt also scored 10, demonstrating the depth of Beaver's roster. The team collectively grabbed 41 rebounds, which was crucial in maintaining their lead.
Beaver now sits at 1-1 in PSUAC play, 3-4 overall. They return to action tomorrow, when the finish their weekend road trip in Scranton. Tip is set for 3 p.m.
