MEDIA, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's men's basketball team had its chances but was unable to convert in the closing minutes of a narrow 70-66 conference loss to United East foe Penn State Brandywine on Wednesday night, Feb. 4.
Dylan Moore racked up a game-high 19 points and seven rebounds, while Jordan Spencer finished with a dozen points, six boards and three assists. Kevin Lucas Jr. impressed off the bench, chipping in with 12 points and a pair of assists.
With the score knotted at 65-65 late in a second half that included 14 lead changes and eight ties, Penn State Brandywine (14-9, 9-2 United East) made the crucial plays down the stretch, scoring four straight points with less than three minutes to play. Moore converted a free throw to make it a one-possession game with 29 seconds left but the home team added a pivotal foul shot the next time down the floor to hold off Penn State Harrisburg (14-9, 10-2 United East) in the final moments.
The visitors trailed 31-28 at the break but used a 9-0 run early in the second half to erase the deficit and pull ahead 45-41 with 13:31 remaining. The rest of the contest was the definition of a back-and-forth affair, with neither team pulling ahead by more than two minutes until the closing two and a half minutes when Penn State Brandywine created just enough separation to escape its home floor with the narrow victory.
NOTABLES
- In a rarity this season, Penn State Harrisburg was outrebounded 35-33.
- Moore netted a game-high 19 points and grabbed a game-best seven rebounds.
- Spencer finished with 12 points, six boards and three assists.
- Lucas provided the spark off the bench, adding a dozen points, three rebounds and a pair of assists.
- Andre Thomas III chipped in with seven points.
- Chris Henderson Jr. grabbed five boards and swiped three steals to go along with four points.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions wrap up non-conference play when they host Salisbury at the Capital Union Building on Saturday afternoon.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.
