The Penn State Shenango Lions battled hard but ultimately fell to Villa Maria in a closely contested 82-75 matchup on Saturday. The Lions showcased grit and determination, staying competitive throughout the game despite facing challenges on the boards. Villa Maria's rebounding advantage—36 total compared to Shenango's 20—proved to be a key factor in the final outcome.

D'Montez Owens led the way for the Lions with a standout performance, pouring in a game-high 22 points. Owens showed his scoring versatility, connecting on 8-of-21 shots from the field, including two three-pointers, and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. He also added three rebounds and an assist while logging an impressive 41 minutes on the court.

Devin Alston provided a strong spark, contributing 17 points on efficient 7-of-11 shooting, including three made shots from beyond the arc. Malik Davis was a reliable presence for the Lions, scoring 15 points and adding four rebounds, while Chris Williams continued his consistent play with 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Izzy Santiago also played a key role, tallying 10 points and leading the team in rebounds with six while playing 41 minutes.

The Lions shot a respectable 45.3% from the field and 76.9% from the free-throw line. However, Villa Maria's balanced scoring attack and success at the charity stripe, where they went 21-of-33, kept Shenango at bay. Despite the loss, the Lions' determination was evident, as they limited their turnovers to just nine and showed flashes of their offensive potential.

Looking ahead, Penn State Shenango will aim to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next challenge on the road. The Lions are set to face Penn State Scranton on Friday at 8 PM, a critical opportunity to bounce back and build momentum. With several standout performances to build upon, the Lions remain optimistic about their ability to secure a much-needed victory.