Penn State Harrisburg 76, Cazenovia 73

Harrisburg Starters

Galbreath, Amey, Butler, M. Hemler, Mahan

Cazenovia Starters

Caivana, Smith, Liverio, Tubbs, Holland

How It Happened

Penn State Harrisburg battled back from an early fourth quarter deficit to defeat North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) opponent Cazenovia 76-73 on Friday night, Feb. 21.

The Lions (12-12, 10-5 NEAC) got off to a fast start using 3-pointers from Anna Mahan and Laurel Amey to take an early 3-point lead. Madison Hemler added a free throw and a layup to give the Lions a six-point advantage. Cazenovia (7-17, 5-10 NEAC) would answer back, using a 7-2 run to pull back within one-point. Kendis Butler stopped the run connecting on her first 3-pointer of the game. After a layup by Butler, Jayla Galbreath connected on a 3-pointer of her own, as the Lions took a 19-15 lead into the second quarter.

Sydney Hemler would get the Lions offense going in the second quarter, finishing a layup in the paint. Mahan followed with a 3-pointer, extending the Lions advantage to nine points. Both teams would trade baskets, with Laurel Amey leading the Lions offense attack. Amey would score a season high 21-points. Despite scoring the final five points of the half, Cazenovia trailed 34-26 heading into the half.

After Cazenovia scored the first three-points of the half, Butler connected on a 3-pointer. Butler had a solid outing scoring 19 points for the Lions. The Wildcats continued to battle back, powered by Danielle Caivana team high 21 points, and tied the game at 42 midway through the third quarter. After Cazenovia took a one-point lead, Butler gave the Lions back the lead with her third 3-pointer of the game. Kayla Cade and Amey added layups, but the Wildcats built a four-point lead in the closing seconds of the quarter. Amey would swing momentum back to Harrisburg, connecting on a 3-pointer to pull the Blue & White back within one point heading to the fourth quarter.

Using the momentum from Amey's last second shot, the Lions recaptured the lead when Butler connected on a pair of 3-pointers giving Harrisburg a five-point lead and control of the game. After a free throw by Mahan, Amey stormed to the basket for a layup to give the Lions an eight-point lead. Cazenovia would try to rally, closing back within two points, but Harrisburg would hold on for a 76-73 victory.  

Inside the Numbers

- The Lions were led by Laurel Amey who scored a season-high 21 points and pulled in 10 rebounds

- Kendis Butler scored 19 points, connecting on five 3-pointers

- Anna Mahan scored nine points, pulling in five rebounds

- Harrisburg won the rebounding battle, holding a 45-39 advantage

- The Lions continued their excellent 3-point shooting this season, making 11 3-pointers in contest

- The Wildcats were led by Danielle Caivana scoring 21 points

Who's Next?

The Lions will continue their New York road trip tomorrow, Feb. 21, at Morrisville State at 3 p.m.

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