MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – The St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s basketball team faced a challenging conclusion to their 2023-24 campaign, finishing as runners-up in the United East Conference Volt Division Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament. The Seahawks, seeded third, were defeated by top-seeded Penn State Harrisburg with a final score of 80-56 in Wednesday night’s championship game.
The game began with Penn State Harrisburg demonstrating a strong offensive presence, sinking seven three-pointers in the first half. They quickly established a 12-3 lead within the first four minutes, maintaining dominance throughout the initial half. Despite their efforts, the Seahawks managed to narrow the gap to three points, thanks to a layup by first-year guard Kyree Smith. However, Harrisburg countered swiftly, extending their lead once more.
James Lerner, another first-year guard for St. Mary’s, led a brief rally that saw the Seahawks close the halftime deficit to just five points. Yet, the Nittany Lions’ aggressive play resumed in the second half, widening their lead through a notable 13-3 run. St. Mary’s struggled offensively after the break, with their shooting efficiency falling to 23.5 percent, hindering any chance of a comeback.
The statistics highlighted a tough night for St. Mary’s, particularly in rebounding, where Harrisburg outperformed 50-33. Despite the loss, James Lerner emerged as the Seahawks’ top scorer, achieving a career-high 14 points along with three assists and two rebounds. Team captain Daryn Alexander and sophomore forward Jake Koverman each added 10 points, with Alexander leading in rebounds and Koverman setting a personal record with three blocks.
Penn State Harrisburg’s victory was led by Donyae Baylor-Carroll, who dominated the court with 27 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. This win marked the third time Penn State Harrisburg has overcome St. Mary’s College in the season, securing their superior position in the division.
For St. Mary’s College, the season has reached its completion, marking the end of a journey filled with both triumphs and challenges. The Seahawks’ performance in the tournament reflects their resilience and potential, setting the stage for future endeavors in college basketball. As the team reflects on their journey, the experiences gained and lessons learned this season will undoubtedly fuel their aspirations for the next.
