Basketball Recap: Portage Makes It Five in a Row on the Road

Portage won the last time they faced Conemaugh Valley and things went their way on Saturday too. The Portage Mustangs came out on top against the Conemaugh Valley Blue Jays by a score of 60-53. Given the Mustangs' advantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 120th, while the Blue Jays are ranked 310th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Portage had a senior duo take command as Trae Kargo went 5 of 10 en route to 15 points and five rebounds and Owen Gouse went 6 for 13 on his way to 19 points. Gouse is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last eight games he's played. Zachary Hodge was another key player, putting up seven points and nine boards.

When it comes to explaining why Conemaugh Valley lost, don't look at Jeremy Dietz. Despite the final result, he went 9 of 22 on his way to 27 points and eight rebounds. Another player making a difference was Lance Masser, who went 5 for 12 en route to 13 points and six boards.

Portage's victory was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 13-4. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 63.8 points per game. As for Conemaugh Valley, their record is now 9-7.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Portage will host Conemaugh Township at 7:15 p.m. on Monday. Conemaugh Township is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 59.6 points per game this season. As for Conemaugh Valley, they will welcome United at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday.