WASHINGTON, D.C. - Despite a single-game program record 34 points from Jordan Carpenter and a 31-point fourth quarter, Penn State Harrisburg's women's basketball team couldn't overcome a stingy Gallaudet squad in an 81-76 conference setback on Wednesday night, Dec. 4.


Carpenter did all she could to lead the comeback effort, scoring a career-high 34 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, and grabbing a game-high 18 rebounds to post her fifth double-double of the season. Carpenter's scoring total surpassed the program's previous single-game mark of 33 points set by Kendis Butler, Penn State Harrisburg's all-time leading scorer, in 2020. Giahny Correa finished with 16 points, while Ali Lister added 12 points, six assists, and four rebounds.


Gallaudet (3-6, 1-1 United East) clung to a one-point lead heading into the second quarter but the home team came to life before halftime and stretched the advantage to 38-29 heading into the break. Penn State Harrisburg (5-2, 2-1 United East) faced a deficit as large as 18 points midway through the third quarter but the Lions drew to within a dozen with 10 minutes left to play. The visitors, led by Carpenter's 23 second-half points, scrapped their way back into it and eventually cut the deficit to five following a Correa 3-ball with 6:09 remaining. 


Penn State Harrisburg got as close as 71-67 with 2:30 remaining thanks to Carpenter's old-fashioned 3-point play but the late-game flurry ultimately came up short as the Bison executed down the stretch, converting eight free throws and a crucial layup transition in the closing minutes to hold off the Lions and seal the victory against the reigning conference champions.


NOTABLES
- Carpenter's career night included a new single-game scoring mark of 34 points. She also posted her fifth double-double of the season with 18 rebounds.
- Correa netted four 3-pointers en route to 16 points.
- Lister had a team-high six assists, adding 12 points and four boards.
- Gallaudet shot 53.6 percent from the floor and 40 percent from 3-point range. 
- Penn State Harrisburg shot 40.3 percent from the field, 26.1 percent from beyond the arc, and 80 percent from the foul line.
- The Bison bench outscored the Penn State Harrisburg reserves 26-3.


WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions continue conference play on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 7. They'll host United East foe Penn State Abington at the Capital Union Building at 1 p.m.


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