WILLIAMSPORT, PA -- A 14-0 run to start the second half was the catalyst for Penn State Abington's 74-63 victory over host Penn College in a United East Conference men's basketball contest on Saturday.

The win improved the Nittany Lions to 12-10 overall and 6-7 in the conference. They need one victory in their last three contests to secure a winning season for the second time in the last three years of competition (team did not compete in 2020-21).  
 
The Nittany Lions trailed 34-35 entering the second half, but a well-rounded burst put them up 48-35 four minutes into the stanza and they never looked back. A three-pointer from Brian Randolph III helped start the run for Penn State Abington, followed by a Darrion Harris layup off an assist from Randolph. Zack Semmler then nailed another three-pointer to make it a seven-point lead. Alex Podolski had layups with one from Harris sandwiched in-between to complete the 14-0 run.
 
The Wildcats (5-16, 5-9) cut the run with a layup before Mohamed Mansaray made three straight layups to make it a 17-point game. Mansaray led Penn State with 17 points in 22 minutes off the bench, his most in conference play this season.
 
Harris and Podolski followed right behind with 16 points each with Podolski also leading the Nittany Lions with 11 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. Randolph III made it four players in double figures as he notched 10 points and grabbed six boards.
 
Penn State Abington was sure to take advantage of every opportunity, scoring 24 points off 18 Penn College turnovers. The Nittany Lions' dominance under the basket was well noted also, outscoring the Wildcats 42-24 in the paint.
 
Gavin Barrett led Penn, scoring 21 points while dishing out eight assists on the day. Jesse White led all players with 13 rebounds, five of which were offensive boards.
 
Penn State Abington is back in action on Tuesday, February 15 (5 p.m.) hosting defending conference champion and current front-runner Penn State Harrisburg. Tuesday's game is also Senior Night for the Nittany Lions and will be a White Out for any students attending the game. Mansaray and Alex Salata III will be honored as the team's lone seniors.