MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Penn State Harrisburg's women's basketball team dropped a 67-59 nailbiter to United East foe St. Mary's (Md.) at the Capital Union Building on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 22.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After falling behind by double-digits in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, Penn State Harrisburg (9-5, 5-2 United East) put together a late push to make it a one possession game but the Seahawks (7-7, 5-2 United East) held on to escape with the narrow victory. Ciani Redd-Howard scored a dozen points, Kendis Butler had nine, and Jayla Galbreath, Anna Mahan, and Giahny Correa finished with eight apiece.

After a Galbreath layup drew the Lions to within two at 52-50 early in the fourth quarter, the visitors went on a 9-1 run to go up 10 with 4:09 remaining. The Blue & White clawed back thanks to 3-balls from Mahan and Redd-Howard, as well as a Mahan putback layup that cut it to three with 1:56 left to play.

The Seahawks added a free throw and bled the clock thanks to a couple of offensive rebounds on their next possession before Penn State Harrisburg came away empty the next time down the floor. The home team was forced to foul in the final minute and St. Mary's converted 3-of-4 to hold on for the win.

NOTABLES

- A rough shooting night plagued the Lions, as they shot just 30.4 percent from the floor and 22.6 percent from 3-point range.

- St. Mary's shot 53.8 percent from beyond the arc; more than double the team's 3-point percentage on the year.

- The Penn State Harrisburg bench outscored the Seahawk reserves 20-14.

- Ciani Redd-Howard went 9-for-10 from the foul line to tally 12 points. She also had six rebounds, three steals, and three assists.

- Anna Mahan nearly had a double-double, finishing with 11 rebounds, eight points, five blocks, and four steals.

- Kendis Butler tallied nine points on the day to go along with a pair of boards.

- Jayla Galbreath finished with eight points, three rebounds, and two assists.

- Giahny Correa was effective in transition, finishing with eight points on the day.

- Macy Carroll and Alli Walton combined for 10 points off the bench, while Sydney Hemler pulled down five rebounds in a reserve role.

- Cassidy Kupshinskas scored a game-high 22 points for St. Mary's.

WHO'S NEXT?

It's a quick turnaround for the Lions, as they host Clarks Summit at the Capital Union Building for a non-conference tilt on Monday evening, Jan. 24. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

STAY CONNECTED