Penn State Berks 86, Penn State Harrisburg 83 (OT)
Harrisburg Starters
Galbreath, Amey, Butler, M. Hemler, Mahan
Berks Starters
Brensinger, Herman, Bookwalter, Kopcik, Armstrong
How It Happened
Penn State Harrisburg used a furious fourth quarter rally to send their North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) matchup with Penn State Berks to overtime but the Lions were unable to complete the comeback, falling 86-83 on Tuesday night, Feb. 18.
Harrisburg got off to a strong start, with Kendis Butler connecting on an early 3-pointer. Moments later Laurel Amey followed with a 3-pointer, as Harrisburg took an early two-point lead. The Lions continued to stretch the lead with a layup from Butler and a pair of baskets from Madison Hemler extending the advantage to eight. Anna Mahan connected on a 3-pointer as the Lions lead ballooned to 11-points. Butler would add one more 3-pointer as Harrisburg lead 18-10 heading to the second quarter.
Penn State Berks (13-9, 9-5) used an eight-point run to open the second quarter to tie the game at 20. After the teams traded a couple baskets, Berks would close the quarter on a 7-0 run to hold a 35-28 lead heading into the half. Berks opened the second half strong, outscoring Harrisburg 27-14 in the third quarter to hold a 20-point advantage entering the final quarter. Berks offense was led by Kylie Herman who scored 21 points.
Facing a large deficit, Harrisburg needed to swing momentum and Mahan would provide the spark. After Mahan drew a foul on a layup and completed a three-point play, Harrisburg would go on an 11-1 run featuring baskets from Hemler and Galbreath to pull back within 10 points. Hemler would add two more layups, part of her season high 18 points, to help the Lions pull back within five points with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. After a layup by Kayla Cade, Hemler would pull in an offense rebound and put it back in, pulling Harrisburg to within a single possession. Cade would draw a charge on the Berks next possession giving Harrisburg a chance to tie the game. On the offense end, Cade would get the ball in the paint and tie the game at 67 with 1:03 remaining. After Berks took a one-point lead, Galbreath would find Hemler in transition for a layup to give Harrisburg a 70-69 lead. Two free throws by Sidney Gordon extended Harrisburg advantage to three, but Berks Sam Brensinger hit a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left, sending the game to overtime.
In overtime the teams would trade baskets with both teams trading the lead back-and-forth. Penn State Berks managed to take a three-point lead late in the overtime period and held of Harrisburg's final rally for an 86-83 victory.
Inside the Numbers
- Jayla Galbreath led the Lions in scoring with 22 points on 7-13 shooting while dishing out five assists
- Madison Hemler had a strong outing, scoring 18 points while pulling down eight rebounds
- Kendis Butler scored 11 points connecting twice from beyond the arc
- Penn State Berks won the rebounding battle, holding a 47-36 advantage
- Kayla Cade scored 10 points while hauling in eight rebounds
- Anna Mahan also reached double figures, scoring 10 points and recording four rebounds and three assists
- Berks was led by Kylie Herman who scored 21 points
Playoff Picture
Despite the loss, the Lions have clinched a spot in NEAC postseason tournament and will take part in a first round match up on Tuesday Feb. 25.
Who's Next?
The Lions will continue their road trip, traveling to face NEAC North Division opponent Cazenovia on Friday night, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m.
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