Penn State Harrisburg 77, Penn State Abington 71
Harrisburg Starters
Galbreath, Amey, Butler, Hemler, Mahan
Abington Starters
Barrow, Tabares, Graham, Gaddy, Nagbe
How It Happened
Penn State Harrisburg redeemed a loss from earlier in the season, defeating North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) opponent Penn State Abington 77-71 on Feb. 8 in the Capital Union Building.
Harrisburg's offense got off to a strong start with Jayla Galbreath knocking down a 3-pointer on the Lions first offense possession. Laurel Amey and Madison Hemler followed with layups, helping Harrisburg (10-10, 8-3) build an early 7-5 lead. Kendis Butler, who led the Lions in scoring with 21 points, knocked down her first 3-ponter of the game, drawing a foul in the process and completing the four-point play. This sparked a 15-0 run for Harrisburg, allowing the Lions to jump out to a 13-point lead. Abington (7-12, 5-6) would battle back, pulling back within eight points, but Butler would knock down her second 3-pointer of the game to give Harrisburg a 23-12 lead heading to the second quarter.
Anna Mahan got the Lions offense started in the second quarter, finishing a layup. Harrisburg continued to grow its advantage, with Galbreath and Butler driving for layups giving the Lions a 17-point lead. Abington would battle back, using a 13-0 run to pull back with four points with 2:58 remaining before the half. Abington's offense was led by Ashya Gaddy who scored 25 points. Galbreath ended the run with her third 3-pointer of the game. Sydney Hemler pulled in an offense rebound and put it back just as time expired in the first half, giving Harrisburg a 10-point lead.
Mahan got the Lions offense going in the third quarter, knocking down her first 3-pointer of the game. Both teams would trade baskets for most of the third quarter, with Abington pulling back within six-points. Anna Mahan drove the basket, scoring a layup, drawing a foul and completing the three-point play extending the lead back to nine-points. Harrisburg held an eight-point advantage entering the fourth quarter.
Abington opened the fourth quarter on a 6-2 to open the fourth quarter, pulling back within four points. Butler ended the run with a 3-pointer, but Abington answered back with a 3-pointer from Laquana Nagbe. Galbreath hit her fourth 3-pointer of the game, extending Harrisburg back to a seven-point advantage. Abington would continue to battle back, pulling back within three-points with 25 seconds remaining in the game. Harrisburg would use some clutch free throws to hold for the 77-71 victory.
Inside the Numbers
- Kendis Butler led the Lions, scoring 21 points and knocking down three 3-pointers
- Jayla Galbreath scored 18 points on 6-12 shooting, including going 4-8 from beyond the arc
- Harrisburg won the rebounding battle, holding a 44-40 advantage
- Madison Hemler scored 10 points while gathering eight rebounds
- Anna Mahan also reached double figures adding 10 points
- Penn State Abington was led by Ashya Gaddy who scored 25 points and gathered in nine rebounds
- Laurel Amey fell just short of a double-double, scoring nine points and pulling in nine rebounds
Who's Next?
The Lions will host NEAC South foe Gallaudet on Wednesday Feb. 12 at 8:00 p.m. This will also serve as the Lions Pink Game.
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