(MIDDLETOWN, Pa.) – Wilson opened conference play on the road with a short trip I-81 to take on Penn State Harrisburg on Wednesday evening. The Phoenix were able to hang with the Lions in the first half, but a strong start to the second half by the home team helped create separation en route to handing Wilson the defeat.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 68, Penn State Harrisburg 77
Venue: Capital Union Building
Records: Wilson 2-6, 0-1 United East; Penn State Harrisburg 3-4, 1-0 United East
How It Happened
- Harrisburg benefited from a 7-0 run to open the game before Wilson started to catch fire. Jalen Bowie (Sr., Frederick, Md. / Frederick / Shippensburg) gave the Phoenix a boost when he converted an unconventional 3-point play after being fouled on a layup with 13:06 left on the first half clock. While the Lions bumped the lead back up to double-digits, Travis Blake Jr. (FY, Baltimore, Md. / North County) and Quinton Renigar (XXX) kept the Phoenix close with a layup and 3-pointer, respectively.
- Wilson furthered its comeback attempt with a small 6-0 run to get within a possession. Jalen Pierce (Sr., Richmond, Va. / Collegiate / MIllersville) sparked the push with a midrange jumper and a layup. Winston Raford (Jr., Woodbridge, Va. / Forest Park) then got into the mix with a layup. That made the score 25-23 with 4:42 left in the first half. The Lions were able to counter and push their lead back to nine before Pierce beat the buzzer with a layup to make the score 37-30 at the break.
- Unfortunately for the Phoenix, the Lions scored the first nine points of the second half. Harrisburg was able to maintain the double-digit advantage for the remainder of the game until a late push by Wilson in the final minute.
Inside The Numbers
- Bowie led the Phoenix with a 16-point effort where he was 6-for-11 from the field. He added five rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
- Armani Jones (Sr., Chicago, Ill. / Christ The King Prep / Bryant & Stratton) had another excellent showing as he recorded his third double-double of the season with 14 points and 14 boards. He was 5-for-11 from the field.
- Pierce had an excellent night as he scored a baker's dozen 13 points while going 6-for-9 overall.
- Chris Henderson led the Lions with a game-high 20 points.
Up Next
The Phoenix will prep for Cairn who visits the Gannett Memorial Field House on Saturday. Tipoff with the Highlanders is set for 1 p.m.
