Phoenix Prevail in Final Seconds

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - The Wilson College men's basketball team squared off against the Nittany Lions of Penn State Harrisburg this evening in a nonconference matchup. The Phoenix (2-6, 0-0 CSAC) took down the Nittany Lions (4-3, 0-0 NEAC) in the final seconds by a final score of 70-69.

How It Happened: Wilson started the game with a three-point shot from junior Zachary Powell (Manassas, VA, Osbourn) and followed that with another from senior Rashaan Bean (San Antonio, Tx, Forest Park). Later on in the half, the Phoenix continued to drain shots from beyond the arc as sophomore Anthony Desruisseau (Burtonsville, MD, Springbrook HS) and Powell both added threes. Wilson would finish the first half shooting 47% from three-point land. Soon after, Penn State pulled away and extended their lead to 29-23. But, Wilson would storm back and knot the game up at 32 apiece with a minute and a half remaining. The Phoenix would close out the half on an 8-3 run that put them ahead 40-35. 

In the opening minutes of the second half, Bean got things started with another three; but the Nittany Lions would answer right back on their next possession. Wilson started to pull away but Penn State stormed back and tied the game up at 52 off a deep three-point shot. The Phoenix offense started to click as they were able to pull away but, shortly after, the Nittany Lions tied the game up again at 66 apiece with a minute and twenty-two seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, Wilson took a two-point lead off a jumper by sophomore Jeremiah Delaney (Manassas, VA, Osbourn). On Penn State's next possession they were able to even the game back up at 68 off free throws. Then, in the dying embers of the second half, Wilson took the lead off a fantastic shot from sophomore Adrian Thomas (Germantown, MD, Northwest HS). The Nittany Lions were able to inbound the ball and a foul was called with 0.3 seconds that put Penn State on the line. The Phoenix would go on to win 70-69 after the Nittany Lions could not connect on both foul shots. 

Inside the Box Score: Wilson finished shooting 46% from the floor while their opponents finished shooting 40%. The Phoenix also finished shooting 39% from beyond the arc while the Nittany Lions finished shooting 33%. Bean led Wilson with 16 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Sophomore Olamide Banjo (Largo, MD, Largo HS) and Delaney both scored 10 while Desruisseau and Powell added nine and eight points, respectively. The Phoenix bench stepped up big in this game as they finished with 26 points off the bench. 

Up Next: The men's basketball team will open up Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) play this Thursday, December 5, where they will take on Centenary University (1-5, 0-0 CSAC) starting at 2:00 p.m. 

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