SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. - Penn State Schuylkill Men's Basketball clinched a PSUAC playoff berth following their win over conference opponent Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
Two early baskets by Dashawn Dixon (Baltimore, MD / Catonsville High School) gave Schuylkill a 4-2 lead with 16:38 remaining in the opening half. Bryce Hensley (Auburn, PA / Blue Mountain High School) followed suit during the next few possessions, scoring two consecutive baskets highlighted by a breakaway dunk in transition. Schuylkill gained momentum with an 8-4 swing capped by a basket from Hadir Boswell (Philadelphia, PA / West Philadelphia Catholic High School), giving them a 16-8 advantage at the midway point of the first half. Both teams traded baskets throughout the period, evening the score at 35-35 heading into halftime.
Schuylkill scored out of the gate as Makhi Jones (Harrisburg, PA / Susquehanna Township High School) knocked down three of his 18 points during the first possession of the half. With the score tied at 47-47, a 7-0 run by Schuylkill gave them separation with 11:40 left in the contest, forcing a Wilkes-Barre timeout. Wilkes-Barre managed to reduce their deficit to two points before Devin Adams (Baltimore, MD / Kenwood High School) found Boswell and Dixon on consecutive plays, giving Schuylkill a 60-53 edge with 8:37 to play.
Schuylkill maintained their margin for the next couple of minutes, leading 69-61 with 5:08 remaining in the game. A late surge by Wilkes-Barre made it a 69-67 contest in Schuylkill's favor with 2:21 left.
A steal and score by Hensley gave Schuylkill a 72-67 lead with 1:51 remaining. Schuylkill continued to capitalize on Wilkes-Barre's missed opportunities as an offensive rebound resulting in a basket for Jones made it a three-possession game late.
As Wilkes-Barre attempted to make a comeback, Dixon would collect a defensive rebound and outlet to a sprinting Hensley, whose two-handed slam in transition electrified the arena and sealed the game for Schuylkill.
Hensley led Schuylkill with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Jones dropped 18 points. Dixon tallied 13 points and 10 rebounds. Boswell contributed with 9 points off the bench.
Schuylkill finished the 2023-2024 regular season with a 13-16 overall record and a 10-9 record in the PSUAC. With the win, Schuylkill has clinched the #4 seed and will take on number #1 seed Penn State York on Monday, February 26th. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m.
