Southern Virginia 67, Penn State Harrisburg 57  

Harrisburg Starters

Mattis, Miller, Amey, Butler, and Mahan

Southern Virginia Starters

Stout, Mead, Christen, Barnes, and Garrish

How It Happened

Penn State Harrisburg fell to Southern Virginia in their Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) opener, 67-57. Shanique Mattis led the Lions in scoring with 17 points and Kendis Butler added 15 points.

The Lions struggled to handle the Knights' size, being outrebounded 29-17 in the first half. The Knights' length also bothered Harrisburg's perimeter shooting, holding the Blue & White to 4-22 shooting in the first half. Mattis led the offense by scoring seven points and swiping four steals. Butler and Rachel Miller each connected on a pair of three's in the first half but the Lions found themselves down 40-25 heading to the locker room.

After falling behind by 23 in the third quarter, the Lions began to rally back. Harrisburg would score 10-straight points to close the half, sparked when Butler drew a foul on a 3-point attempt and converted all three free throws. In the final second of the quarter, Aireo Payne stole an inbounds pass and converted a contested layup, giving the Lions momentum heading to the final quarter.

The Blue & White would continue to battle in the final quarter, pulling within seven points on a Butler 3-ball. With 1:11 remaining in the game, Mattis would come with her sixth steal of the game near midcourt, drawing a foul and converting a pair of free throws to close within five points. The Lions would not be able to pull any closer, falling 67-57.

Inside the Numbers

- Shanique Mattis led the Lions with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 steals

- Kendis Butler added 15 points

- For Southern Virginia, Katie Garrish led the Knights with 25 points and 17 rebounds

- Harrisburg's aggressive defense came away with 19 steals, with 10 different players recording at least one

Who's Next?

The Lions will now travel to face CAC foe Salisbury on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m.

Stay Connected

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