Altoona, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's basketball team traveled to Altoona on Wednesday to play their final road game of the regular season. The Panthers were able to take down their hosts, Penn State-Altoona 89-75, and in the process, clinched a spot in the AMCC tournament.
The hosts scored on their opening possession, but the Panthers struck right back and took the lead on a Jesse Laster three. Jamarion Butler was able to match a Lion field goal with one of his own before Trey Davis hit a three on a second chance, putting the Panthers ahead for good. The hosts cut the lead down to 1 point at 11-10, however, a Gus Napoleon long ball stopped the rally. Leading by 2, Trey Davis converted back-to-back layups and Jamarion Butler closed an 8-2 Pitt-Bradford run with a two-handed dunk on the baseline.
The Lions cut the lead back down to 3-points, but consecutive Laster layups and a three from Napoleon extended the lead into double-digits. A few minutes later, Butler Keshon Kittrell and Napoleon converted defensive stops into layups and Coby Farley swished a three to put the Panthers ahead by 14. 5 in a row on a Farley layup and a three-point-play from Xavion Boone Roberson extended the advantage to its largest point at 17, and Kittrell was able to add a late layup to send the game to the halftime break with Pitt-Bradford ahead 50-36.
Gus Napoleon started the second half with a three, but the Lions quickly struck back with six straight. Butler ended the run with a putback jumper and then added a free throw following a Laster steal to restore the halftime lead. After a Lion basket, Butler found Laster or an open slam dunk and a few possessions later Boone Roberson made a three to extend the lead back to 17.
The Panthers were not able to put the game away, however, as they allowed the Lions to score 6 straight and cut their deficit back to 11. That was as close as the Panthers allowed the Lions to get, as they were able to maintain the double-digit lead. With 7 minutes remaining, Kittrell was able to convert a three-point play and after a steal on the other end, Boone Roberson found LAster on the break for a layup. This trend continued for the remainder of the game, as the Panthers limited Penn State-Altoona rallies while building momentum of their own with fast-break dunks. They made 4 free throws in the last 80 seconds to put the game away.
Jesse Laster logged his second double-double in as many games while finishing as the Panthers' leading scorer. He poured in 22 points, while also grabbing 10 rebounds. Jamarion Butler scored 15 points for the Panthers, while also registering 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Xavion Boone Roberson also scored 15 points, making 4-5 from the field, 1-1 from three, and 6-7 from the free throw line. Keshon Kittrell also finished with a double-double, scoring 12 points and collecting 11 rebounds off the bench. Gus Napoleon was the final Panther to reach double figures, scoring 11 points in the win.
The victory moves the Panthers to 13-11 on the season with a 9-8 record in AMCC play. The victory secured their 2nd straight appearance in the AMCC Championship tournament, where they will play as the 5 seed. They will play one final regular season game on Saturday, as they look to secure a winning record for the first time in 9 seasons. Along with playing the game, the Panthers will also recognize their 4 seniors and celebrate Alumni Day. The game is scheduled to tip off at 4:00 p.m. in KOA Arena.
