Hazleton, Pa. - The Nittany Lions return to the hardwood in the fall of 2016 for another exciting season, continuing the proud tradition of Penn State Hazleton Basketball. Last season the Nittany Lions led the Penn State University Athletic Conference in defense, allowing just 71.8 points per contest, but fell short in the offensive column, losing nine games by single digit margins. The Lions look to revamp the offense to make their first run at the PSUAC postseason since 2013.
Highlighting the Lions early non-conference schedule will be the annual contest with NCAA Division II program Bloomsburg University. The Huskies will return to the Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium on November 11 where the Nittany Lions nearly knocked off their local foe back in 2012 when Hazleton dropped a late heartbreaker by the score 79-78.
The Lions defeated Penn State Lehigh Valley in thrilling fashion last season with an overtime victory in Stabler Arena at Lehigh University and will look to repeat that performance when they kick off PSUAC play on November 29 at Lehigh Valley. Hazleton will look to build momentum and reciprocate close defeats at the hands of Penn State Greater Allegheny and Penn State New Kensington before matching up with the defending PSUAC champions, Penn State Mont Alto, on the road on January 16. If the Lions position themselves well in the standings through the new year, Hazleton will have the advantage of facing five of their last seven PSUAC contenders on their home court, wrapping up their regular season on February 10 at home with local rival Penn State Schuylkill.