Late Overtime Leaves Beaver Behind 72-69
Beaver Falls to Christendom in Day 1 of the Holiday Tournament.
Monaca, PA - Christendom outlasted Penn State Beaver 72–69 in overtime Friday night at the Beaver Fieldhouse, erasing a halftime deficit and surviving a late push in extra time. Beaver led 32–26 at the break and stayed within striking distance throughout the second half, but Christendom's ability to generate extra possessions and get to the line ultimately proved decisive in a tight finish.
Penn State Beaver set the tone early with a six-point halftime advantage, using efficient shooting to build momentum while keeping Christendom's perimeter looks in check. Beaver shot 45.0% for the game (27-of-60) and 37.5% from three (6-of-16), and the Lions' balanced scoring helped them control long stretches of the opening 20 minutes. Christendom responded after intermission with a 36–30 second-half edge to force overtime, then did just enough in the extra period to win it 10–7.
For Beaver, Ronyell Coston led the way with 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Jabari Gayle posted 16 points and a team-high 8 rebounds, while Ny'zir Dix added 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting and a perfect 4-of-4 at the line. Trevor Franklin chipped in 12 points and 7 boards, but Beaver's 15 turnovers and a 38–35 rebounding deficit—especially Christendom's 16 offensive rebounds—proved costly in a one-possession overtime loss.
In the end, Beaver had the shot-making to win, but Christendom's second-half push and overtime execution swung the result. The Lions showed they can compete with anyone when they're defending and shooting efficiently, yet the margin in extra possessions (turnovers and offensive rebounds) was the difference in a game that came down to the final minutes.
Beaver is now 3-10 overall and 1-4 in conference. They will take the court again on Saturday, December 20th at 3pm when they take on CCBC in the Beaver Fieldhouse during day 2 of the Holiday Tournament! For all things Penn State Beaver Men's Baksetball check out beaverathletics.com or watch all home games live on the Rise and Roar Network!