Newport News, Va. – The Penn State Harrisburg men's basketball team faced off against the Christopher Newport Captains Saturday January 10th. Despite a one point game over the first 14 minutes of play, a 16-1 run to finish the first half proved to be too much for the visiting Lions to overcome.
Christopher Newport went for a first round knockout punch by scoring back to back three pointers in the first minute. The Lions were not phased and battled back to tie the game at ten and be within one point 22-23 after a Joey Farthing (Lancaster, Pa. / Hempfield) three pointer with 6:32 to play in the first half.
Unfortunately the final minutes of the first would set the tone for the afternoon. The Captains finished the half on a 16-1 run to take a 39-23 lead going into the locker rooms. The Blue and White's season leading scorer Arick Sodini (Manalapan, Nj. / St. John Vianney) hit a jumper to start the second half and bring the Lions deficit to 14, but that was as close as they would come this afternoon.
Both teams exchanged buckets for most of the second half. The Lions kept things tight in all statistical categories, but the few extra rebounds or shot percentages eventually added up for the Captains. Not to mention the captains 12 three pointers compared to Penn State Harrisburg's six.
Farthing, who battled a hand injury for the first few weeks of the season, showed definite signs his recovery process may be over. He led the team in scoring and rebounding with 17 points and 10 boards in today's contest.
The Lions hit the road again next Wednesday January 14th when they face the Wesley Wolverines at 6pm.