The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball program looks to the 2011-2012 campaign with a sense of enthusiasm and excitement. With a strong nucleus of returning veterans and a promising freshmen recruiting class, the Mountain Lions hope to continue to build upon the foundation spawned by their recent success. A trio of accomplished seniors will serve as this year’s team captains, as 2-time Academic All American Mike Buczkowski, 2-time Honorable Mention All American Frank Peters and former National 3-Point Shooting Champion Matt Clemons will be asked to lead this year’s squad. Look for contributions throughout the line-up, however, as once again the Mountain Lions will feature a deep and talented bench that will see plenty of action.
Head Coach Scott Miner enters his 5th year at the helm of the Mountain Lions, and points to the four Academic All Conference selections from last season’s team as another step towards the program he hoped to develop when he took over the reins. “I felt that Penn State Wilkes-Barre had the elements in place to develop a competitive program,” commented Coach Miner. “Our small, rural campus environment and Penn State bachelors-level education makes us a naturally attractive academic choice. Upgrading our non-league schedule to primarily NCAA Division II and Division III schools, combined with our always competitive PSUAC League schedule and our national affiliation with the USCAA has made our basketball program equally attractive. The combinations of a quality education and exciting athletic opportunities have allowed us to successfully recruit some tremendous student-athletes from both a local and national level.”
The squad will look to make a third consecutive venture into the PSUAC playoffs; however, don't expect to hear any predictions from within the program. “Our goal is to compete night in and night out, in both our league as well as our non-league games,” concluded Coach Miner. “The most important game we will play is the next game on our schedule. If we take care of business, one game at a time, the big picture will take care of itself.”
-Mike Truskoloski, Assistant Coach
2011-2012 Men's Basketball Final Stats
Men’s Basketball Loses in PSUAC Championship
2/25/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball lost to Penn State DuBois 68-75 in the PSUAC Championship game on Saturday afternoon in Mont Alto. Freshman forward Jacob Bronder led for Wilkes-Barre, scoring 11 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Wilkes-Barre put together a balanced scoring effort in which 8 players scored 5 or more points. With the loss, Wilkes-Barre wraps up their 2011-2012 season.
Wilkes-Barre finished the season 15-13 overall and they went 12-6 in the PSUAC to be named North Division Champions. Senior forward Frank Peters led Wilkes-Barre in both points and rebounds this season. Peters scored 260 points and crashed the boards for 175 rebounds. Sophomore point guard Keith Johnson was Wilkes-Barre’s second-leading scorer, putting up 215 points this season. Johnson also led the team with 49 steals and 82 assists. Freshman Denzel Mensah was the team’s second-leading rebounder, pulling down 96 rebounds. The men’s basketball team worked hard to put together a great season.
Men’s Basketball Upsets #1 Seed Penn State Beaver in Final Four
2/24/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team upset #1 seed Penn State Beaver 86-83 in the Final Four of the PSUAC Championship on Friday night in Mont Alto. Down 35-42 at the half, Wilkes-Barre came out strong to outscore Beaver 51-41 in the second half to take the victory. Freshman Denzel Mensah paced the way for Wilkes-Barre scoring 16 points and grabbing 6 steals. Junior Jared James put up 14 points for Wilkes-Barre, while senior Frank Peters and sophomore Keith Johnson each added 12 points in the win. Peters also pulled down 9 rebounds for Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes-Barre advances to the PSUAC Championship game against Penn State DuBois on Saturday afternoon, February 25th at 3:00 pm in Mont Alto.
Men’s Basketball Advances to Final Four
2/20/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team defeated North Division rival Penn State Hazleton, 77-64, in a first round PSUAC playoff game on Monday night to advance to the Final Four. Junior Jared James led the way for Wilkes-Barre scoring 15 points. Senior Frank Peters contributed 11 points to the win, while freshmen Jacob Bronder and Denzel Mensah each added 10 points for Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes-Barre will head to Mont Alto on Friday, February 24th to compete in the PSUAC Final Four, where they will take on Penn State Beaver at 6:00 pm.
Men’s Basketball Home PSUAC Playoff Game on Monday, February 20th
2/15/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team earned the 4th seed in the PSUAC standings to earn a home playoff game vs. Penn State Hazleton on Monday, February 20th. The game will be held at 7:00 pm in the ARB.
Men’s Basketball Falls Short at Mont Alto
2/11/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team fell short to PSUAC rival Penn State Mont Alto on Saturday afternoon. After being down 26-34 at the end of the first half, Wilkes-Barre came back in the second half to outscore Mont Alto 26-21. Wilkes-Barre’s valiant effort was not enough though, as they were defeated 52-55. Senior Matt Clemons scored 11 points for Wilkes-Barre, while senior Frank Peters and junior Travis Dunlap each added in 10 points. With the loss, Wilkes-Barre finishes out the regular season 13-12 overall and 11-5 in the PSUAC.
Men’s Basketball Continues Winning Streak
2/9/12 – The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team (13-11, 11-4 PSUAC) extended its season long winning streak to seven games tonight with a 58-47 win over North Division rival, Penn College. Junior, Jared James, provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, while senior Frank Peters added 11 points. Sophomore guard Keith Johnson led the Mountain Lions on the defensive end with 6 steals. Wilkes-Barre plays its regular season finale on Saturday, February 11th at Penn State Mont Alto before playing in the PSUAC playoffs.
Men’s Basketball Wins Close Contest with Penn State York
2/4/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team (11-11 overall, 9-4 PSUAC) won a close contest with Penn State York on Saturday afternoon. Down 33-31 at the half, Wilkes-Barre battled back to take a 59-55 victory. Leading the way for Wilkes-Barre was senior Matt Clemons, who scored 13 points. Sophomore Keith Johnson added 11 points and freshman Drew Walker contributed 10 points to Wilkes-Barre’s win. Wilkes-Barre’s next game is at home on Monday, February 6th at 8:00 pm against Penn State Worthington Scranton.
Men’s Basketball Wins at Home
2/2/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team won at home against Penn College, 62-49, on Thursday night. Wilkes-Barre is now 10-11 overall and 8-4 in the PSUAC. Senior forward Frank Peters had a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for Wilkes-Barre. Freshmen guard Drew Walker scored 14 points for Wilkes-Barre, shooting 4-7 from behind the arc. Wilkes-Barre will next face off at home against PSUAC rival Penn State York on Saturday, February 4th at 3:00 pm.
Men’s Basketball Wins Against Penn State Lehigh Valley
1/30/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team won 75-64 at home against Penn State Lehigh Valley on Monday night. Wilkes-Barre is now 9-11 overall and 7-4 in the PSUAC. Senior Frank Peters led the way for Wilkes-Barre with a double double. Peters scored 18 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Senior Matt Clemons scored 11 points, while junior Jared James and sophomore Keith Johnson each added 10 points for Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes-Barre will next play at home against Penn College on Thursday night, February 2, at 8:00 pm.
Men’s Basketball Takes Down PSUAC Rival
1/28/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team took down PSUAC rival Penn State Fayette, 84-69, at home on Saturday afternoon. The win improves Wilkes-Barre to 8-11 on the season and 6-4 in the PSUAC. Wilkes-Barre was led by freshman Drew Walker who scored 21 points, shooting 7-10 from behind the arc. Sophomore Keith Johnson added 15 points for Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes-Barre’s next game is at home on Monday night January 30 at 7:00 pm against Penn State Lehigh Valley.
Men’s Basketball Wins at Home
1/27/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team (7-11 overall, 5-4 PSUAC) defeated PSUAC rival Penn State Greater Allegheny, 61-42, at home on Friday night. Sophomore Keith Johnson led the way for Wilkes-Barre with 17 points. Freshman Jacob Bronder and Denzel Mensah each added 10 points for Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes-Barre will next play at home against PSUAC rival Penn State Fayette on Saturday afternoon, January 28, at 3:00pm.
Men’s Basketball Falls Short at Worthington Scranton
1/25/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team lost at PSUAC rival Penn State Worthington Scranton 65-69 on Wednesday night. With the loss, Wilkes-Barre falls to 6-11 overall and 4-4 in the PSUAC. Freshman guard Drew Walker led Wilkes-Barre with 14 points. Freshman William Danwah scored 12 points and senior Matt Clemons added 11 points for Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes-Barre will next play at home against PSUAC rival Greater Allegheny, Friday night, January 27, at 8:00 pm.
Men’s Basketball Fights Hard to Defeat Penn State DuBois
1/20/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men's basketball team fought hard at home to defeat PSUAC rival Penn State DuBois 53-52 Friday night. The win improves Wilkes-Barre to 6-10 on the season and 4-3 in the PSUAC. Wilkes-Barre was led by freshmen Drew Walker with 14 points. Sophomore Keith Johnson added 10 points for the Mountain Lions, while senior Matt Clemons added in 8 points. Wilkes-Barre will next play Wednesday night, January 25 at 8:00 pm on the road against Penn State Worthington Scranton.
Men’s Basketball Loses Close Battle with PSUAC Rival Penn State Hazleton
1/18/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team lost a close battle at home Wednesday night against PSUAC rival Penn State Hazleton. Tied 39-39 at half time, Wilkes-Barre fell to Hazleton 66-72. The loss drops Wilkes-Barre to 5-10 on the season and 3-3 in the PSUAC. Freshmen Drew Walker led Wilkes-Barre with 15 points, shooting 5-7 from behind the arc. Senior Frank Peters added 14 points for Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes-Barre will next play at home Friday night, January 20th against Penn State DuBois.
Basketball Pink Out Fundraiser for Cancer!
1/14/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre athletic department will be holding a “Coaches vs. Cancer” Night on Thursday, February 2 at 6:00 pm to raise awareness for cancer research. The event will take place during a basketball double-header against Penn State New Kensington and all proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Cancer Society. For more information on purchasing Pink Out t-shirts or raffle prizes, please contact Director of Athletics Brian Stanchak, by stopping in the ARB or e-mailing bds23@psu.edu. (T-shirts are $10 with all proceeds donated; checks to be made out to the PSU-WB SGA; deadline for ordering t-shirts is January 27th.)
Men’s Basketball Falls to Thaddeus Stevens
1/5/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team (5-8 overall, 3-2 PSUAC) fell to Thaddeus Stevens 62-68 on Thursday night. Senior Frank Peters lead Wilkes-Barre with 10 points. Junior Travis Dunlap and freshman Jacob Bronder each added 9 points. Freshman Denzel Mensah grabbed 14 rebounds for the team. Wilkes-Barre will next play Wilkes University on Saturday, January 7th at 3 pm on the road.
Men’s Basketball Falls at D2 Shippensburg
1/4/12 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team lost their first game of the new year at Division II’s Shippensburg University on Tuesday night. Wilkes-Barre started the game off well leading 32-29 at half time before falling 53-86. Wilkes-Barre was led by Freshman Denzel Mensah with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Sophomore Keith Johnson added 10 points. Wilkes-Barre will next play host to Thaddeus Stevens on Thursday night, January 4th at 7:00 pm.
Men’s Basketball Loses Close Battle with DeSales
12/10/11 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team lost a close battle to NCAA Division III opponent DeSales University 61-73 this afternoon. The loss dropped Wilkes-Barre to 5-6 overall, but they remain 3-2 in the PSUAC Conference. Wilkes-Barre was led by senior Frank Peters with 14 points. Freshman Jacob Bronder added 10 points. The Wilkes-Barre men will head into break before returning to play at Shippensburg on Tuesday, January 3rd at 7pm.
Men’s Basketball Wins in Home PSUAC Opener
12/6/11 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team improved to 4-5 on the season and 2-2 in the PSUAC by defeating Penn State Brandywine 79-65 on Tuesday night. Wilkes-Barre was led by Senior Matt Clemons with 22 points, including 6-8 from behind the arc. Freshmen Jacob Bronder and Denzel Mesah each added 10 points in a balanced scoring effort. Wilkes-Barre will next play at PSUAC rival Penn State Hazleton on Friday night before turning around to play DeSales University at home on Saturday at 3pm.
Men’s Basketball Loses at Beaver
12/3/11 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team lost at PSUAC conference rival Penn State Beaver 87-43 on Saturday night. Wilkes-Barre was led by senior Frank Peter’s 15 points. Wilkes-Barre will next face Penn State Brandywine in its PSUAC home opener on Tuesday night at 8:00 pm.
Men’s Basketball Wins First PSUAC Game
12/2/11 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team held off Penn State New Kensington on the road to win 65-62 on Friday night. Wilkes-Barre (3-4) senior Matt Clemons paced the way with 13 points in a balanced scoring attack (4 players with 7 or more points). Senior Frank Peters led the team with 10 boards. Wilkes-Barre will take on Penn State Beaver tomorrow night on the road.
Men’s Basketball Loses PSUAC Opener at Schuylkill
11/30/11 - The Penn State men’s basketball team (2-4) went back and forth with Penn State Schuylkill (1-4) all night before eventually falling short 65-69. Wilkes-Barre was led by senior Frank Peter’s double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Denzel Mensah provided a scoring punch for Wilkes-Barre with 21 points on 7-10 shooting, including 4-4 from behind the arc. Wilkes-Barre next heads to Penn State New Kensington for their second PSUAC matchup on Friday.
Bronder Named to Messiash College Tip Off All-Tournament Team
11/19/11 - Freshman Jacob Bronder (Pittsburgh, PA) was named to the Messiah College Tip Off Tournament All-Tournament Team on Saturday afternoon. Bronder’s defense and solid decision earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Bronder finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds in Wilkes-Barre’s win over Williamson Trade on Saturday. Wilkes-Barre lost to Messiah College on Friday night before rebounding to beat Williamson the following day.
Men’s Basketball Loses Hard Fought Battle at Centenary
11/22/11 - Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball lost to NCAA affiliated Centenary College tonight 66-74 to fall to 2-3 on the season. Wilkes-Barre was led by Frank Peters with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Wilkes-Barre will next head to PSUAC Conference rival Penn State Schuylkill on November 30th at 8pm.
Men’s Basketball Splits At Messiah Tournament
11/19/11 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team lost to Messiah College 40-63 on Friday night before turning around and beating Williamson Trade 50-47 the next day. Freshman Jacob Bronder was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Men’s Basketball Wins Home Opener
11/7/11 - The Penn State Wilkes-Barre men’s basketball team won their home opener 75-58 over Johnson College (0-1) to begin the season 1-0. Wilkes-Barre was led by Sophomore Keith Johnson who had 13 points. Senior Matt Clemons added 12 for the Mountain Lions. Wilkes-Barre forced Johnson to turn the ball over 22 times in the 40 minutes. Wilkes-Barre’s next game is at home next Tuesday at 8:00 pm vs. Lycoming.
Head Coach:
Scott Miner
570-675-9201
sam61@psu.edu
Assistant Coaches:
Chuck Smith
Ed Stepanski
Mike Truskoloski
