MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Led by a massive offensive effort from Isaiah Milien and strong shooting from beyond the arc, Penn State Harrisburg's men's basketball team overcame the size of Salisbury in a memorable 75-70 non-conference victory at the Capital Union Building on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 7.


Milien turned in the best effort of his career, pouring in a career-high 24 points on 72.7 percent shooting from the field. Jordan Spencer finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine boards, while Chris Henderson Jr. was the third player to reach double figures with 11 points.


After the Lions (15-9) built a seemingly comfortable 17-point lead midway through the second half, Salisbury (10-11) chipped away at the deficit over the ensuing eight minutes and eventually pulled to within one point at 66-65 with 3:21 left to play. Penn State Harrisburg kept the Sea Gulls at bay when Andre Thomas III converted a pair of free throws the next time down the floor.


The teams traded foul shots on the ensuing possessions and after the Lions got a stop during Salisbury's next trip down the floor, Henderson converted a contested jumper from the elbow with 1:36 left to push the advantage to 71-66. After an SU turnover on the next possession, Milien put an exclamation point on his memorable outing and the game by burying a tough jump shot with a hand in his face, stretching the lead to seven with 49 seconds remaining.


Salisbury used seven free throws in the opening minute to build an early 18-12 lead at the 9:53 mark of the opening half. From there, the Lions put together a 10-0 run capped by a Justin Leddo 3-ball to pull in front 22-18 with 5:50 left in the first half. Milien took over before the break, connecting on three triples in the final 3:10, including one to beat the buzzer that gave the home team a 37-29 advantage heading into halftime.


NOTABLES
- The victory over Salisbury was Penn State Harrisburg's non-conference finale.
- The Lions shot an impressive 50 percent from beyond the arc (11-of-22).
- Penn State Harrisburg finished with a 38-36 edge in the rebounding battle.
- Milien shot 72.7 percent from the field (8-of-11) and buried five 3-balls en route to a career-high 24 points. He also grabbed four rebounds.  
- Spencer finished one board shy of a double-double with 11 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
- Henderson also reached double figures with 11 points and three rebounds.
- Antwone George added nine points and five boards off the bench.
- David Reed IV chipped in with six points and seven rebounds in a reserve role.


WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions close out the regular season with a key conference matchup when they host Lancaster Bible at the Capital Union Building on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 14.


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