Kathan converted 11-of-18 field goal attempts, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, while collecting eight rebounds. Senior Sean Sullivan (Athol, Mass.) added 11 points as the Owls remained tied for first place in the LEC at 10-3 in conference play, 17-6 overall.
The Owls overcame a superb night from PSU senior Mark Dunham (Salem, N.H./Pinkerton), who made 7-of-10 from three-point range and matched his career-high with 21 points before fouling out late in the contest. Senior Kevin Boutilier (North Andover, Mass.) added 13 points for the Panthers, while PSU’s leading scorer, junior Mike Walcek (Dover, N.H.), collected a game-high 12 rebounds but finished with only four points.
It was a tight game throughout the first half, with neither team leading by more than five points and Keene State holding a two-point margin (28-26) at the intermission. PSU was holding a one-point lead (43-42) in the second half when the Owls went on a 16-5 burst to take a 10-point advantage (58-48) with 4:41 remaining.
The Panthers would not go quietly, and a crowd of 1,214 helped the home team rally to within four points (60-56) with three minutes to play. PSU could get no closer, though, and Keene State sealed the game by making key free throws down the stretch.
Both teams wrap up the regular season at 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, Keene State visiting Southern Maine and Plymouth State hosting Eastern Connecticut.
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