GRENNSBURG, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University women's basketball team defeated Seton Hill on the road Wednesday night at the McKenna Center, 67-58 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The win was the teams' fourth consecutive victory and now have won six of their last seven games dating back to December 12. The Lakers now sit at 9-9 overall and are 7-5 in the PSAC while Seton Hill falls to 9-8, 5-6 PSAC.
After scoring only five points to open the first 5:14 of the game, Mercyhurst went on to score 16 in the final 4:46 while holding the griffins to only two points. The Lakers' 16-2 run opened a nine point first period lead, 21-12.
Alex Artise scored six of her eight points in the opening frame on back-to-back three pointers.
Jessica Bell would give Mercyhurst an 11 point lead -- their largest of the half -- when she converted a jumper on the Lakers first possession of the second quarter. From there, the Griffins would pull within two, going on a 9-0 run. Seton Hill held Mercyhurst without a basket for 4:17. The offensive drought ended when
Angela Heintz and Artise scored on back-to-back possessions to regain a six point lead. Seton Hill would answer with the final six points of the half, to tie the game at 27.
A 14-2 Laker run late in the third helped Mercyhurst break the game back open, leading by as many as 13 points, before taking a 12 point lead in into the final frame, 49-37.
Seton Hill would pull back within four with 4:10 to play, but the Lakers would rally to outscore the griffins 11-6 down the stretch to hold on for their second consecutive PSAC road win.
Heintz finished the night with a game-high 21 points and 10 rebounds. It is her fifth double-double this season.
Natalie Piaggesi and Bell each reached double figures scoring with 17 and 12, respectively.
Mercyhurst finished 26 of 64 (40.6%) from the field and outrebounded the Griffins, 42-32.
The Lakers will return home next Wednesday, January 20, when they host crosstown rival Gannon. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the MAC.
