Salisbury 57, Penn State Harrisburg 49

Harrisburg Starters

Mattis, Amey, Butler, Davis and Mahan

SU Starters

Onyekwere, Otlowski, Webb, Konig, and French

How It Happened

Penn State Harrisburg could not overcome constant defensive pressure from Salisbury, falling 57-49 to its Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) foe on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 5. Shanique Mattis led the team in scoring with 22 points and eight rebounds.

The Sea Gulls' full-court pressure bothered the Lions throughout the first quarter, leading to nine turnovers. Mattis would pace the Lions offense by knocking down a pair of 3-pointers in the opening minutes of the game. Briana Davis would add a 3-pointer in transition to pull the Blue & White within three but Salisbury would hold a 15-11 heading into the second quarter.

After a slow start for Harrisburg in the second period, layups from Kendis Butler and Laurel Amey got the offense going. After a media timeout, the Lions would break the Sea Gulls' full court press and find Davis for an open 3-pointer. Davis would strike again from deep on the next possession to pull Harrisburg within two points, 23-21. Later in the quarter, Mattis would storm down the lane for a layup, pulling the Lions within a single point. Salisbury would respond and close the half on a 6-0 run to take a seven-point lead into the break.

Davis would get the Blue & White started in the second half, stopping a Sea Gull run with her fourth 3-pointer of the game. Anna Mahan would follow with a short jump shot to pull the Lions back within seven points. The Sea Gulls would continue to attack the interior of Harrisburg's defense, finding success and getting the Lions in some foul trouble allowing them to grow the advantage to 13 points. Amey would close the quarter for Lions by ripping away an offensive rebound and putting it back to close within 10 points entering the final quarter.

On the Lions first possession of the fourth quarter, Mattis would find Butler who would get fouled on a made lay-up and convert the free throw to complete the 3-point play. Mattis would then hit a 3-pointer to pull the Lions with four points. The teams would trade baskets before Mattis would score her eighth point of the quarter on a deep 3-pointer to close within three points with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Salisbury would rebuild the lead and hold on for a 57-49 victory.

Inside the Numbers

- Shanique Mattis once again led the Lions in scoring with 22 points and eight rebounds

- Briana Davis knocked down four 3-pointers to total 12 points

- The two teams combined for 48 turnovers, including 13 steals by the Lions' defense

- The Seagulls won the battle on the glass, outrebounding the Lions 51-30

- Amber Onyekwere led the Sea Gulls with 15 points

- Harrisburg has now made 132 3-pointers this season; a number that ranks fifth in the nation

Who's Next?

The Lions will return home to challenge CAC rival York (Pa.) on Wednesday night, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m.

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