Dixon Scores 1000th Career Point in Nailbiter

By Mar Tsakonas, The Nittany News

Sunday, January 25, 2015, Penn State Worthington Scranton (8-9 overall, 5-4 conference) hosted Penn State Lehigh Valley (6-13 overall, 5-5 conference) in a PSUAC conference match up. Following a 14 point performance in Friday's match up on the road junior, Hasiin Dixon was 11 points shy of his 1,000^th career point as a Penn State Worthington Scranton Nittany Lion. The Lions started out slow as they fell in an early 9-0 hole to the visitors but a 3 pointer from Dixon put a spark into the crowd and the team as they fought back to cut the lead to 5. 2 made free throws by freshman, Javon Nickson tied up the game at 22-22 with 9:54 remaining in the half. Minutes later (3:04 left), Hasiin Dixon hit a 3, making him the newest member of the Penn State Worthington Scranton 1,000 point club. After a brief ceremony at half court, where Athletic Director, Jeff Mallas, presented Dixon with a 1,000 point ball, the game continued. The Lions went into the half leading 44-39.

When asked how it felt to score his 1,000^th career point he replied, "It felt great! It felt like I had a weight lifted off of my shoulders." Hasiin Dixon also added that, "following the shot I felt more comfortable because knowing I was so close to that milestone I felt obligated to score and it threw off my game." This moment was made extra special for Dixon who's mother was in the stands. "It feels good that she could be here for this. I play harder for my mom. She's my heart and soul. She's what drives me and I try to get her to as many games as I can. She is very proud of me."

The Lions increased their lead to 9 but Penn State Lehigh Valley fought back and evened the score at 65-65 with 9:02 left in the game. The action started to heat up and get physical with both teams exchanging baskets and fouls with 6:38 remaining in the game. Penn State Lehigh Valley heaved up a shot at the buzzer but it was no good giving the Lions their 3^rd straight win at home, 83-82. When asked what this game meant to him (Dixon) and the team he replied, "For me it was special because I was able to score my 1,000^th point but to me the team getting another win and staying in the playoff hunt makes the accomplishment that much better. Everyone wants to win and everyone is on the same page. We are closer now as a team and it brought us together and we're like a family. I love Penn State! We all have the same goal in mind and that is to win and make the playoffs."  Penn State Worthington Scranton was led by Hasiin Dixon with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Also adding to the win was Will Yancey with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Jon Devine with 16 points and 4 assists.