READING, Pa. — Penn State Berks took down Penn College with a 105-101 overtime victory on Tuesday night at Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center. The Nittany Lions tallied 25 assists and dominated in the paint with 44 points, securing the win in a high-scoring contest.
Penn State Berks opened the first half by establishing a competitive pace, with
Zach Prator scoring a layup off an assist from
Isaiah Cotten at 18:59. Prator was a standout player, ultimately achieving a career-high 25 points during the game. Cotten contributed significantly, both on offense with a fast break layup and from the free-throw line, helping maintain the lead early in the half.
Josh Mingledolph's three-pointer at 14:08, assisted by Cotten, was pivotal in keeping the score neck-and-neck. As the half progressed, Berks showed resilience by responding to the Wildcats' scoring runs. They regained the lead with Prator's three-pointer at 13:29 and added to their advantage through consistent defensive stops and scoring conversions. Despite the back-and-forth action, the Wildcats edged ahead towards the end of the half, leading 45-40 at the close. The half ended with
Jaedon Mast scoring a layup in the final 29 seconds, reducing the deficit for Berks as they entered the break trailing by five.
The second half began with Penn College extending its lead, but the Blue & White quickly responded. Mingledolph's jumper at the 19:30 mark helped maintain momentum. Despite some defensive turnovers, Cotten and
Luke Collins contributed key baskets, including a critical three-pointer by Collins at 18:06 to keep the score tight. In the middle of the half, Mast and
Quentin Wright made significant contributions, reducing the deficit. Collins' three-pointer at 13:15 tied the game, sparking a back-and-forth exchange. With the score knotted at 64, Berks briefly took the lead with Prator's layup at 12:47, and Wright's tip-in at 2:39 leveled the score again at 86. In the tense final minutes, a three-pointer from Collins at 1:33 narrowed the gap, and Prator's jumper at 0:30 gave the Blue & White a brief lead. A late foul allowed the Wildcats to tie the game with a free throw, ending the half with the score tied at 91-91.
Berks began overtime with strong interior play, scoring eight points in the paint. Prator capitalized on assists from Mingledolph and Wright to extend Berks' lead. Cotten's successful free throws at 1:25 put Berks ahead 101–99, providing a crucial advantage. As overtime progressed, Berks continued to capitalize on opportunities, with Mingledolph converting free throws to extend the lead to 103–99. Mast sealed the half with two free throws, concluding the half at 105–101. Berks maintained composure, finishing the game with a four-point edge over the Wildcats.
Collins led with 20 points, converting six of nine attempts from beyond the arc. Prator added a team-high 25 points and collected nine rebounds, making it a career night for him. Mingledolph recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, along with five assists. Cotten scored 15 points and contributed three assists while making two steals.
WHO'S NEXT
Berks will host Gallaudet University on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. at their home venue in Reading, Pennsylvania.
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