ABINGTON, Pa. – In an electrifying regular-season finale, the St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s basketball team clinched an 85-81 victory over Penn State Abington on Wednesday night, sweeping the season series and bolstering their record to 14-11 overall and 9-3 in the United East Conference (UEC). This win propels the Seahawks into the UEC Volt Division Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament as the No. 3 seed, where they will face off against the No. 6 seed Gallaudet University this coming Saturday.
The game was a tale of two halves, with the Seahawks displaying exceptional shooting in the first half, hitting 67.9% of their shots and leading 52-39 at halftime. St. Mary’s dominance was evident as they executed a 25-15 run, spearheaded by fifth-year captain Daryn Alexander and sophomore forward Jake Koverman, who collectively added 16 points during the surge.
However, the momentum shifted in the second half as St. Mary’s shooting accuracy fell to 38.7%, while Penn State Abington maintained a consistent 50.0% shooting. The Nittany Lions mounted a fierce comeback, reducing the deficit to just two points (83-81) with 25 seconds left on the clock. Yet, the Seahawks’ resilience shone through as Alexander and sophomore guard Micah Henry secured the victory with crucial free throws down the stretch.
The Seahawks showcased their depth with five players scoring in double digits, led by Henry and senior forward Gary Grant, each notching 16 points. Alexander contributed 15 points, while Koverman and senior captain Hollique Johnson added 12 points apiece, demonstrating the balanced attack that has characterized St. Mary’s season.
St. Mary’s College also excelled in rebounding, with a significant margin of 42-24, highlighted by a career-best 12 boards from first-year guard Kyree Smith. This performance underlines the Seahawks’ ability to control the game’s pace and maintain pressure on their opponents.
On the other side, Penn State Abington’s Kolby Miller put up a valiant effort, leading all scorers with 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the team’s fourth consecutive loss, concluding their season at 8-17 overall and 2-11 in UEC play.
The Seahawks now set their sights on the upcoming UEC Volt Division Championship Tournament. Hosting Gallaudet University, a team with a 3-22 record and 2-10 in conference play, St. Mary’s aims to leverage their home-court advantage and deep roster to advance in the postseason. The match is scheduled for Saturday, February 17, at 12:30 p.m. in the MPOARC Arena, promising to be a pivotal moment in St. Mary’s quest for championship glory.
As the Seahawks prepare for their next challenge, their performance against Penn State Abington stands as a testament to their resilience and team cohesion. With a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, St. Mary’s College looks poised to make a significant impact in the UEC Tournament, aiming to cap off a season of hard-fought battles with championship success.
