OAKDALE, N.Y. – A second-half rally by the Southern New Hampshire University Penmen fell short as the Dowling College Golden Lions narrowly defeated the Penmen 72-71 on Tuesday evening during the first day of Dowling Classic Tournament action.  With the win, Dowling betters their record to 5-3, while the loss drops Southern New Hampshire to 7-5. 

The Penmen were led by Ashara Carrington (Marblehead, Mass.), who totaled 19 points and eight rebounds, and Jenny McDade (Derry, N.H.), who scored 16 points and collected nine rebounds.  Sloane Sorrell (Berwick, Maine) and Christine Duffy (South Boston, Mass.) both totaled nine points for the Southern New Hampshire. 

Christie Marrone led the Golden Lions with 17 points and five rebounds, while Seja Gamble totaled 15 points.  Simona Bartkova recorded 12 points and six rebounds for Dowling, and Connie Simmons scored ten points and collected six boards. 

The Penmen fell behind early, trailing by eight points with 12:10 to play in the first half.  At halftime, the Penmen would find themselves down 32-29.  After trailing by as many as nine, a second half rally would bring the Penmen within two points with just over four minutes remaining in the game on a good free throw shot by Carrington.  The two teams would exchange baskets for the final stretch, with Dowling unable to extend their lead beyond five points.  Two made free throws by Magdala Johnson (Sandown, N.H.) with 33 seconds remaining would bring the Penmen within a basket, and a  Dowling foul with one second remaining would give the Penmen the opportunity to tie the game. Carrington made her first shot, but missed the second. 

The Golden Lions shot 49.2% from field goal range and 67.7% from the free throw line, while the Penmen made 42.3% of their field goals and went 35.7% from behind the foul line. 

The Penmen will be back in action tomorrow for the second day of Dowling Classic Tournament action.  Southern New Hampshire will face Bridgeport University at 2 p.m.