Penn State Wilkes-Barre Captures Men's D2 Title

ETTRICK, Va. – Penn State Wilkes Barre went on a 20-6 run over an eight-minute span of the second half and used free throws in the final minute to hold off Miami-Hamilton 55-50 in the 2023 USCAA Men’s Division II National Championship game Thursday night at Virginia State University.

The Nittany Lions used a 6-0 spurt to close the first half as Allen Ozojie converted a three-point play with four seconds left as Penn State Wilkes Barre trailed 27-22.

Miami-Hamilton opened the second half with a bucket from Jamison Bradley to take a 29-22 lead at the 19:22 mark. The Harriers advantage was 35-30 following a Josh Scantland jumper with 16:11 remaining. Penn State Wilkes Barre ripped off the next 12 points to lead 42-35 after a Jaymes Jackson jumper with 10:54 left.

The Harriers had one last run in them trimming the deficit to 50-47 after a Josh Scantland layup with 85 seconds left. Allen Ozojie hit a free throw with 57 seconds, then Jalen Willis hit one with 42 seconds to go back up 52-47. Miami-Hamilton’s Ryan Marchal drained a 3-ball with 34 seconds left to make it 52-50, but Marc Emile hit one free throw and Jalen Willis hit a pair with five seconds left for the final margin.

Bradley paced Miami-Hamilton (22-9) with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Marchal and Aidan Turner added nine apiece.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre (25-8) was led by Anthony Picott with 23 points and Ozojie with 12 off the bench. 

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Great Bay CC, Fr., G, Kingsley Breen

Miami-Hamilton, Jr., G, Ryan Marchal

Miami-Hamilton, Sr., F, Jamison Bradley

Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Sr., F, Jaymes Jackson

Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Jr., G, Jalen Willis

Tournament MVP: Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Sr., G, Anthony Picott