WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Brian Randolph III notched career-highs of 24 points and 15 rebounds while
Alex Salata III added 15 points off the bench as Penn State Abington used a fourth-quarter run for a 66-58, come-from-behind victory at United East Conference foe Gallaudet University.
The win pushed the Nittany Lions back to the .500 mark overall as they improved to 9-9 (3-6 United East). The Bison fell to 2-15 and 2-8.
Randolph III was 6-for-12 from the field, including a strong 4-for-6 effort from 3-point land. He added an 8-for-12 showing from the foul line. Ten of his 15 boards came on the offensive end and he also added four steals in 35 minutes of action. Salata III came off the bench and was a perfect 9-for-9 from the foul line, en route to his 15-point performance.
Gallaudet used a spurt at the end of the first half to take a 28-26 lead into the break. The Bison scored the first four of the second half but a jumper by Salata III and back-to-back bombs from Randolph III gave Penn State Abington a two-point advantage with 15:12 remaining.
Gallaudet regained the advantage but couldn't pull away because of big bucks from Salata III and Randolph III. The Bison took their last lead at 45-43 as the clock ticked under minutes to go, but Randolph III shortly after drained a 3-pointer and
Alex Podolski followed from long range as well. Podolski added a jumper for a 8-0 run and a six-point Nittany Lion advantage.
Gallaudet made it a three-point contest with 3:11 left, but Penn State Abington went 13-for-16 from the foul line in the waning minutes to secure the win. The Nittany Lions had big advantages in points off turnovers (21-4) and second-chance points (20-8), the latter thanks to 22 offensive rebounds.
In addition to Randoplh III and Salata III, Podolski contributed 13 points and eight boards in the win.
Ryan Knorr hit a pair of treys off the bench and finished with seven points.
Malosi Vienna Wood and Leon Wood led Gallaudet with 18 points apiece.
The Nittany Lions will host conference rival Penn State Berks on Tuesday, February 1 (5 p.m.).
