Brandywine Survives New Kensington’s Comeback Bid To Win 98-91

MEDIA, Pa. -- Penn State Brandywine nearly saw a 24-point second-half lead evaporate before holding on to defeat Penn State New Kensington 98-91 on Friday night.

Paced by a combined 78 points from four starters, Brandywine built a 74-50 lead with 12:16 to play, but the visitors rallied during the closing minutes, using a 26-8 run to get within five points with less than one minute remaining.

However, Ketquan Gatewood (Detroit, Mich./Detroit Collegiate Prep) sank two free throws and Quentin Beasley's (Philadelphia, Pa./Bishop McDevitt) layup with 12 seconds left sealed the Lions' third conference victory of the season.

Gatewood notched a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double, while Beasley recorded 15 points and five assists. Bryce Barrouk (Glen Mills, Pa./Rustin) sank four three-pointers, adding 20 points, and Pat Gallagher (Broomall, Pa./Marple Newtown) collected 19 points and four steals.

The first half was tightly-contested before a 9-2 spurt, paced by two baskets each from Beasley and Barrouk, sent the Lions into intermission with a 39-31 edge.

Brandywine stretched the margin to 17 points less than three minutes into the second half and then errupted for six three-pointers, with four coming on consecutive possessions, to hand the Lions their largest lead of the evening.

Jahi Ogbanna's three-point play with 46 seconds to go capped New Kensington's late run, making the score 94-89, but the visitors would not get closer. Gatewood knocked down 1-of-2 free throws on consecutive possessions and Beasley collected a steal and fast-break lay in before two New Kensington free throws with two seconds on the clock accounted for the final score.

Brandywine was 20-of-34 shooting from the field during the second half, burying seven triples, while shooting 51 percent overall during the game. The Lions netted 44 of their points in the paint and outrebounded New Kensington 47-42.

Brandywine is back on its home court Saturday afternoon to host Penn State Shenango at 2:00 pm.