Box Score

San Diego, Calif. – The Mercyhurst women's basketball team was unable to overcome a nine-point halftime deficit, falling 73-58 to Wisconsin-Parkside Sunday in the first game of the San Diego Surf 'N Slam Classic.

The game began with each team shooting well from the field, and Mercyhurst hit two three-pointers in the first six minutes, including one by Stephanie Prischak with 14:21 remaining in the first half that gave the Lakers a 13-11 lead.

The Rangers then capitalized on Mercyhurst turnovers over the next four minutes, outscoring Mercyhurst 12-0 over that span to take a 23-13 lead with 10:25 left in the opening half. That run was part of a 22-6 surge that put Wisconsin-Parkside ahead by 14 points with just over six minutes remaining in the first half.

The Lakers fought back, fashioning a 9-0 run of their own to cut the Ranger lead to five points late in the first half before UWP scored the final four points of the session to take a 37-28 lead into halftime.

The Lakers shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 4-for-11 from behind the arc, in the first half. The Rangers shot at a 66.7 percent clip in the first half.

Mercyhurst attempted to cut into the deficit in the second half, but the Lakers were only able to get to within single-digits one time in the second half, narrowing the margin to nine at 51-42 with 10:44 left. After the Rangers built on their lead, Jackie Artise hit a three-pointer to pull the Lakers to within 10 points at 56-46 with just under nine minutes remaining. The Rangers pulled away late for a 73-58 win.

The Rangers extended their winning streak to five games with the win, and are now 5-4. The Lakers' record stands at 4-4 with the loss.

Prischak led the Lakers with 14 points on 6-for-12 shooting. She drilled two three-point goals, giving her at least two made three-pointers in seven of eight games this season, including the last six contests in a row.

Amy Achesinski recorded her first double-double of the season, registering 12 points and 11 rebounds. Her double-double gives her eight for her career.

Samantha Loadman scored seven points and led the Lakers with three assists. Artise hit two three-pointers for six points. Kelsey Gordon scored five points, while Abby Allen added four and Janeale Ronai scored three points. Mara Dreiser, Nikki Frederickson, and Stevie Spetoskey each registered two points, and Lindsay Whipkey recorded one point.

Amanda Gibson led the Rangers with 22 points, and Jadee Rooney and Brittany Beyer each scored 13 points, with Beyer grabbing 11 rebounds as well.

For the game, the Lakers shot 48.9 percent from the field and made seven three-pointers. The Rangers shot 49.1 percent from the field after their excellent first half percentage. UWP outrebounded Mercyhurst 32-26 for the game and doubled the Lakers in points in the paint, 40-20.

Wisconsin-Parkside plays against UMass Lowell Monday at 3 p.m. ET, while the Lakers will face the RiverHawks Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET to conclude the San Diego Surf 'N Slam Classic.