MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Despite a nearly month-long layoff, there was no hangover for Penn State Harrisburg's men's basketball team, as the Lions cruised to a decisive 87-53 conference victory at United East foe Gallaudet on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 8.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Penn State Harrisburg (10-1, 3-0 United East) raced out to a 20-1 lead and never looked back in a rout of Gallaudet (1-9, 1-2 United East) on Saturday afternoon. Donyae Baylor-Carroll netted a team-high 19 points, while Dylan Daniels posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double. Brandon Coleman (15) and Zegary Scott III (11) also reached the double-digit scoring mark in the victory.
During the opening run that set the tone for the rest of the contest, Baylor-Carroll scorched the net with four effortless jumpers from beyond the arc. Daniels converted a pair of layups, Coleman buried an early 3-ball, and Chris Haynes added a free throw to cap the Lions' hot start.
The Blue & White put together another impressive start midway through the first half, this one of the 15-2 variety. Pedro Rodriguez started the stretch with a layup and capped it with his second of two triples. In between, Coleman added five points, Haynes knocked down a trey, and Malik Holland connectd on a midrange jumper.
The visitors grabbed their largest lead of the first half following the combination of a Nate Curry jump shot and simultaneous foul away from the ball that resulted in Josh Martin hitting a free throw to make it 47-13 at the 3:35 mark. Scott connected on a straightaway 3-pointer on the team's final possession of the first half to give Penn State Harrisburg a 52-20 lead heading into the break.
Scott scored four straight for the Lions to begin the second half and following contributions from Curry, Coleman, Daniels, and Baylor-Carroll, a pair of Rodriguez free throws stretched the advantage to 40-plus for the first time with 12:01 remaining.
The bench began to empty for the Blue & White but not before Baylor-Carroll put an exclamation point on his day by pulling up from 30 feet and casually splashing his fifth 3-ball of the afternoon with less than five minutes to play. Robby Bobeck and Lance Douglas combined to net Penn State Harrisburg's final six points and put a bow on the team's third conference win of the season.
NOTABLES
- The Lions assisted on 21 consecutive field goals to begin the game, including all 20 made field goals in the first half.
- Penn State Harrisburg shot 51.5 percent from the floor and 42.3 percent from 3-point range.
- The Blue & White finished with a slight 40-39 edge on the glass.
- The visitors forced 18 turnovers and scored 26 points off Gallaudet miscues.
- The Penn State Harrisburg bench outscored the Bison reserves 26-2.
- Donyae Baylor-Carroll finished one assist shy of a double-double with a team-high 19 points and nine dimes. He knocked down five triples on the day.
- Dylan Daniels racked up his seventh double-double of the year with 10 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four blocks.
- Brandon Coleman stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, seven boards, four assists, one steal, and a block.
- Zegary Scott III netted 11 points, dished out seven assists, and grabbed six rebounds.
- Nate Curry finished with six points, six boards, and a game-high four steals.
- Pedro Rodriguez was strong off the bench to the tune of nine points and three rebounds.
- Josh Martin added five points and four boards in a reserve role.
- Gallaudet's Rory Lewis scored a game-high 26 points in a losing effort.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions return to action when they travel to Penn State Berks for another conference tilt on Tuesday night, Jan. 11. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook using the handle @pshbgathletics.