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Penn State Beaver Roar
Sports
December 2013
Men’s basketball dominates Lions start off the 2013-2014 season strong. Anthony Lamont Staff Writer
ajl5715@psu.edu
Four games into the 2013-14 season, the Penn State Beaver men’s basketball team finds itself with a 4-1 record. With wins coming against Saint Vincent, Hiram and La Roche colleges, Beaver’s only loss during the season has been to Point Park University Nov. 13. The team’s most recent win came Dec. 3 in its first Penn State University Athletic Conference matchup against Penn State New Kensington on the road, 100-78. One word to describe the team’s level and style of play is “electric,” said freshman guard Anthony Frenzley. Frenzley’s description does well in providing imagery for the atmosphere and intensity the Lions bring to the court. Fast break offense, fullcourt pressure and high-flying displays of athleticism have brought the team to where it is now. “Our readiness and ability to compete at a high level have been driving our success,” coach Marcess Williams said. The team opened the season against non-conference opponent Point Park. The entire game was a back-and-forth battle. With the Lions in the lead in the second half, Point Park’s Gabe McNeal drained a three-pointer from the corner that tied the game and swung the momentum away from Beaver’s bid for victory. While defeated 95-89, the team battled hard against a well-funded program that competes in the NAIA division II level. “That game really would have been a great victory for us against a team of that caliber,” Williams said.
The Lions did just that, winning the next two games 85-83 and 87-74. In both games the Lions benefited from two standout performances by returning all-conference players. Senior Nick Miller scored 31 points against Saint Vincent and sophomore Rob Agurs scored 24 against Hiram. All-conference forward Chris Weathers, a senior, also added 16 and 18 respectively. Following the weekend wins, the men returned for their home opener against La Roche College. From the tip-off, the Lions controlled the pace of the game, dominated the boards, stole passes and dazzled the full gymnasium with exciting plays of all variety. Along with the dramatic maneuvers, the Lions handled the ball well, limiting turnovers and applied pressure on defense, forcing turnovers and stealing passes. Ultimately, the Lions walked with a 75-64 victory and a positive attitude going into the holiday break. “The week off is timed just right. We hadn’t planned it that way. It comes at a good time for our guys,” Williams said. “Some areas in which the team will need to improve are rebounding, limiting turnovers and, ideally, I would like to develop two more shooters,” Williams said. One of the team’s standout players is Tre Major, a freshman guard who has worked himself into a position where he receives rotation minutes and contributes regularly. “He’s a good kid, and he earned his spot,” Williams said. Having found an additional spark for its offense and level of play, the Lions will need to continue to work to be successful this season. “We need to work on our execution of plays,” freshman forward Donqualye Hannah said. While Williams and other players are in agreement, there is still work to be done, as winning is a continuous process. “We need to work the plan to reach the goal,” said Williams.
The ROAR/Dante Massey
Above, Markus Royster dribbles around a pick by Tre Major in the game against La Roche College on Nov. 20. Below left, Nick Miller takes the ball up the court and, below right, Rob Agurs shoots a foul shot. Beaver beat La Roche 87-74.