Men's Basketball Falls in Season Opener to Villa Maria

BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Penn State New Kensington men's basketball tea dropped their season opener 95-60 to host Villa Maria College Friday evening at the Villa Maria Tip-Off Classic. Villa Maria finished the 2016-17 campaign ranked No. 8 in the USCAA Division II Coaches' Poll. 

The Lions got off to a slow start in the first half, shooting 28.6 percent from the field compared to Villa Maria's 43.9 percent. Wilson Rojas (Pittsburgh, Pa./Havelock) went 2-of-2 from three-point range to lead New Kensington with six points in the half. The teams went into the locker rooms with Villa Maria leading 47-21. 

New Kensington picked up its game in the 2nd half, improving its accuracy by shooting 40.0 percent from the field and going 14-of-15 from the free throw line. However, it was not enought to overcome the Vikings.

Sophomore guard Juwan Willis (Swissvale, Pa./Woodland Hills) led New Kensington with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Junior Anthonio Hill (West Mifflin, Pa./West Mifflin) added 15 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. 

The Lions wrap-up the Villa Maria Tip-Off Classic Saturday, facing Kent St.-Tuscarawas at 2:00 p.m.