Mahan Shines, Butler Makes History Against GU on Senior Day

Mahan Shines, Butler Makes History Against GU on Senior Day

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's women's basketball team fought valiantly to erase a late double-digit deficit before coming up just short in a 64-60 loss to the United East leaders from Gallaudet at the Capital Union Building on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 12. 

  

HOW IT HAPPENED 

Penn State Harrisburg (14-8, 9-5 United East) nearly overcame a double-digit deficit in the final seconds but ultimately fell just short against Gallaudet (14-7, 12-2) in the team's final home game of the season on Saturday afternoon.  

 

Anna Mahan shined on Senior Day, recording a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead all scorers, while Kendis Butler made history when she became the fastest player in program history to score 1,000 career points, netting nine on the day. She is just the third Penn State Harrisburg player to achieve the feat.  

 

After spending most of the day clawing back from a 12-point first-quarter hole, the Lions found themselves down 61-51 following a Gallaudet 3-pointer with 2:20 left in the game. Mahan cut the deficit to eight with a driving layup and added a free throw on the team's ensuing possession. Sydney Hemler grabbed a crucial offensive rebound following an errant foul shot and found Butler for a much-needed 3-ball that drew the Blue & White to within four with 1:24 remaining. 

 

The home team forced a turnover on the other end and Jayla Galbreath hit a clutch bucket from beyond the arc to cut the deficit to 61-60 with 50 seconds left to play. After a timeout, the Bison converted in the halfcourt and used a layup to end Penn State Harrisburg's 9-0 run and push the lead back to three. The Lions had two cracks tying things up in the final 20 seconds but were unable to manufacture an open look from 3-point range. 

 

The Blue & White trailed by as many as 19 points midway through the second quarter but Mahan netted nine in the frame to help draw her team to with eight at halftime. Butler's second 3-ball of the afternoon came from beyond NBA range in the third quarter, giving her an even 1,000 points for her career and keeping the home team's momentum rolling heading into the final quarter. 

 

NOTABLES 

- The Lions shot 31.4 percent from the floor but managed just 17.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc.  

- Gallaudet shot a strong 47.3 percent from the field and a solid 35.7 percent from 3-point range.  

- The Bison won the rebounding battle 46-37. 

- The Lions scored 30 points off Gallaudet turnovers.   

- In the final home game of her career, Anna Mahan turned in one of her best performances, pouring in a game-high 26 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and blocking four shots. 

- Kendis Butler netted nine points and in the process became the fastest player in program history to score 1,000 career points. She also added five boards, four assists, and two steals. 

- Jayla Galbreath finished with eight points and a pair of assists. 

- Jenna Montana added seven points and four assists. 

- Gianhy Correa swiped a game-high six steals and added four points off the bench. 

- Malia Zornoza led the way for Gallaudet with a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double. 

 

WHO'S NEXT? 

The Lions continue conference play when they travel to Penn State Abington on Tuesday night, Feb. 15. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. 

 

STAY CONNECTED

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook using the handle @pshbgathletics.