ABINGTON, PA – The Penn State Abington men's basketball team opened the United East competition with an 82-65 home setback to Penn College of Technology.

It was the Nittany Lions' first contest since December 10, a span of 32 days. They had their two most recent conference games postponed due to COVID protocols with their opponents. The loss dropped them to 6-4 overall while the Wildcats improved to 2-8 and 2-1 in the United East.

Penn College led by as many as 11 in the first half before Penn State Abington fought back to trail by just four, 36-32, at the break. However, the Wildcats opened the second stanza with a 20-6 run to expand their advantage to 18.

The lead was up to 19 before the Nittany Lions used a pressing defense and got to within eight, 66-58, on a Darrion Harris jumper with 6:15 to go. Penn College answered with 11 of the next 14 points to put the game away.

Harris led the way for the Nittany Lions, scoring 18 points, including three three-pointers. Brian Randolph III followed with 13 points, making five of his nine shots. Alex Salata came off the bench to pour in 11 points.

Max Jackowsky and Corey Blackwell led the way for the Wildcats, scoring 15 points each. Chris Coyne was right behind them with 14 points alongside nine rebounds.

Penn State Abington is back in action this Friday, January 14 when it travels to conference foe Penn State Berks.