CRESSON, Pa. - Despite pulling even in the closing minutes, Penn State Harrisburg's women's basketball team was unable to close out Mount Aloysius in a 56-50 non-conference loss on Monday night, Jan. 5.
Lauren Moffatt led the way with her third double-double of the season, finishing with 15 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. Mikayla Coleman was the only other Penn State Harrisburg player to reach double figures with a game-high 17 points.
Trailing by as many as 10 points late in the third, the Lions (2-12) closed out the quarter on an 8-3 run to pull to within five entering the final frame. Penn State Harrisburg eventually closed the gap when Kennadi Johnson connected on a 3-ball with 9:02 to play and again when Akira Cho knocked down a triple to make it 48-48 with 4:16 remaining.
Mount Aloysius (4-7) answered with four straight free throws before Coleman converted a layup in the final minute to cut the deficit to 52-50 with 44 seconds left. The Lions were unable to come up with the stop they needed, however, as the Mounties responded with a layup of their own the next time down the floor to make it a two-possession game. An ensuing turnover cost Penn State Harrisburg and the home team converted two more free throws in the final seconds to put things out of reach for good.
Defense was the hallmark of the opening quarter, with the visitors building an 8-4 advantage after one. The scoring picked up in the second and the Lions led by as many as six midway through the frame. From there, the Mounties found a rhythm and closed out the half on a 15-8 spurt to take a slim 21-20 lead into the break.
NOTABLES
- The Lions shot an impressive 88.2 percent (15-of-17) from the free throw line.
- Penn State Harrisburg struggled from distance, going just 5-for-36 (13.9 percent) from beyond the arc.
- Mount Aloysius finished with a slight edge in rebounds at 41-37.
- Moffatt recorded her team-leading third double-double of the season thanks to 15 points and 12 rebounds. She finished a perfect 8-for-8 from the foul line.
- Coleman scored a game-high 17 points and had four assists.
- Nicole Hernandez added four points and five rebounds.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions will look to end their recent five-game skid when they host United East foe Penn State Berks at the Capital Union Building on Wednesday night.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.
