By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director
Mont Alto, Pa. - The Penn State Mont Alto men's basketball team won it's third straight game on Tuesday holding off PSUAC rival Lehigh Valley 70-64. Prior to the opening tip the Lions celebrated Senior Night by honoring Sharif Welton, Jerome Evans and Siele Johnson for their accomplishments both on and off of the basketball court.
Jerome Evans continued his season-long dominance scoring a game-high 21 points while also adding 15 rebounds. Evans has averaged 20.8 points per game, which is good for 14th best within the USCAA.
Sharif Welton and Shuntan Hickman also finished in double figures for Mont Alto. Welton poured in 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting and Hickman added 11 points off of Coach Jack Schenzel's bench.
PSU Mont Alto jumped out to a 4-0 lead after a Sharif Welton fastbreak layup. However, Lehigh Valley would trade baskets with Mont Alto for the majority of the first half before it went into halftime with a four point lead (37-33).
Mont Alto tighted it's defence within the second half holding the visitors to 27 points on 10-of-33 (30.3%) shooting while also creating 11 turnovers. Mont Alto trailed 59-56 with just over 7 minutes remaining, but finished the game on a 24-11 enroute to the 70-64 victory.
With the win, PSU Mont Alto improves to 13-11 overall and 9-6 within conference play. The Lions return to action on Friday when they travel to York, Pa. to battle Penn State York. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m.