ST. MARY'S, Md. - An undermanned Penn State Harrisburg men's basketball team dropped a 78-68 decision on the road against United East foe St. Mary's (Md.) on Saturday evening, Jan. 14. 

Isaiah Eggleston hit five 3-pointers and netted a career-high 24 points in the setback, while Chris Haynes also set a new career mark with 23 points. Both players also pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.

The Lions (5-8, 2-2 United East) jumped out to a 12-4 advantage following a Haynes 3-ball at the 14:24 minute mark, continued to lead by seven thanks to a pair of Alex Leiba free throws midway through the opening half, and stretched the advantage to double digits when Eggleston buried an attempt from beyond the arc off a Chase Robinson feed with 8:03 remaining before halftime. 

Unfortunately, Penn State Harrisburg went ice cold from the floor, managing just one more field goal before the break and allowing the Seahawks (8-6, 3-2 United East) to use a 13-2 run to pull ahead 28-27 heading into the half. 

St. Mary's (Md.) rode that momentum after the break and put together a 15-6 spurt to begin the second half, giving the home team its first double-digit lead of the day at 43-33 with 15:37 left to play. The Seahawks stretched the cushion to 15 at the 12:46 mark and led by as many as 18 points before Eggelston ended another Penn State Harrisburg scoring drought with a triple with 9:52 remaining.

A pair of Haynes free throws cut the deficit to 10 with 8:42 left but the home team fended off the Lions' attempt at a comeback as the minutes ticked away. Penn State Harrisburg pressed and was able to pull to within nine following a layup from Zegary Scott III with 1:55 remaining but the visitors ran out of gas and fell short in coming all the way back.

NOTABLES

- The Lions shot 36.8 percent from the floor, compared to a 52.7 percent clip by St. Mary's (Md.)

- Penn State Harrisburg shot 34.4 percent from beyond the arc but the Seahawks shot an impressive 56.3 percent from distance.

- The Lions shot 70 percent from the charity stripe (7-of-10). 

- St. Mary's (Md.) won the rebounding battle 41-35. 

- Eggleston shot 50 percent from both the floor and from 3-point range in racking up a career-high 24 points. He also grabbed seven rebounds and added three blocks.

- Haynes shot 57.1 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from downtown en route to 23 points. He also pulled down seven boards. 

- Isaiah Milien added eight points off the bench. 

- Josh Maxwell corralled five rebounds in a reserve role. 

- Scott and Robinson each dished-out a team-high four assists.

WHO'S NEXT?

The Lions will look to get back on track when they host United East rival Lancaster Bible at the Capital Union Building on Tuesday night, Jan. 17.

STAY CONNECTED

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.