Wilkes-Barre’s National Championship Dreams End in First Round Loss to Vermont State in USCAA Tournament
By: Shamonie Rose | Sportzwire | March 11, 2025 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire
On Tuesday, March 11, Penn State Wilkes-Barre's hopes for a national championship were dashed after an 80-67 loss to Vermont State University Randolph in the first round of the USCAA Division II Small College National Championship. This defeat knocked Wilkes-Barre out of the tournament, ending their postseason run.
The game was a tough one for Wilkes-Barre, as they struggled offensively throughout. Despite trying to fight back, they had a hard time keeping up with Vermont State's defensive intensity and offensive execution. The team’s shooting was inconsistent, and they couldn’t get the stops they needed on the other end of the floor. Despite some solid individual performances, Wilkes-Barre couldn’t recover from a challenging first half that left them playing catch-up.
This loss was particularly tough, as it cut short their dream of another national title, a goal they had been working towards all season. It was a bitter way to end a season that had seen so much promise, and the team was understandably disappointed by the outcome.
Despite this setback, Wilkes-Barre wasn’t finished yet. They were scheduled to play a consolation game on March 12 against Penn State Du Bois, offering them one final chance to finish the season with a win. While the loss to Vermont State was difficult, the team aimed to bounce back and close out the year on a positive note, using this final game as an opportunity to regroup and end the postseason with some pride.
