PITT-BRADFORD, PENN ST. ALTOONA TO MEET IN MEN'S BASKETBALL FINALS

It will be host and #1 seed Pitt-Bradford taking on #3 Penn State Altoona in the men's basketball championship on Sunday at 3p.

The Panthers will be looking for their first conference title since the 2002-03 season.  For the Altoona Lions, the crown would be their first.

Pitt-Bradford (22-3) earned their place in the finals with an 87-76 win over La Roche University. The Panthers had four players in double figures: Jeremy Rodriguez (25), Jamarion Butler (19), Rodd Yarbrough (12) and Braylen Salters (11).

The #5 Redhawks 12-15) advanced to the semifinals with an upset win over #4 Penn State Behrend on Tuesday. Joe Starzynski led La Roche with 17 points, while Bryce Epps contributed 16 and Michael Brooks had 11.

In the night cap, the Lions jumped out to an early lead over #2 Pitt-Greensburg (18-8) that they never relinquished, closing the upset victory by a 99-78 margin.

Altoona (18-9) got an outstanding effort from Dwayne Jones, whose stat line included 29 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. Kal-el Gentles was impressive with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Kaden Claar chipped in 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

The Bobcats got an all-star performance from Jackson Byer coming of the bench to lead all UPG scorers with 19 points plus 4 boards. Joziah Watt-Taylor connected for 15 points while Ty Keffer and Matthew Marinchak each scored 12.

Tip off is Sunday at 3p.  The winner will receive the AMCC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.