By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director

MONT ALTO, Pa. – Jalen Smith (Ranson, W. Va. / Jefferson) was named Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the second time this season on Tuesday. The junior guard was the focal point of the Mont Alto offensive attack this past weekend, shot 60 percent from the field, and averaged 22.5 points in wins over New Kensington and Penn State Fayette.

Smith poured in a game-high 26 points against New Kensington and ended up with a game-high 19 points in the thrilling 74-72 win over Fayette. The junior guard has scored in double figures in 15 games this season and has put up 20 or more points in 11 of those games.

For the 2017-18 season, Smith is averaging 20.1 points per game, which ranks fifth in the PSUAC. He also leads the team in scoring, rebounding, free throw percentage, and in minutes played.

Penn State Mont Alto (9-8, 3-5 PSUAC) enter the final two weeks of the regular season in a good position to make a run at the conference playoffs. Mont Alto begins a two-game western Pennsylvania swing on Friday when it travels to PSUAC-leading Penn State Greater Allegheny for an 8 p.m. tipoff.