Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team earned their second PSAC win and second overtime win of the season as they downed Bloomsburg 66-57 Saturday afternoon.
The Lakers had most of the momentum in the first half, ending the first quarter with a six-point lead and taking a 29-25 lead into halftime. Jayde Boyd had 10 points in the half, including a pair of three-pointers.
The Huskies seemed to figure things out in the locker room, outscoring the Lakers 20-10 in the third quarter. They took the lead at 7:26 in the third quarter, and Mercyhurst would not hold a lead for the rest of regulation.
Mercyhurst's defense found its footing in the final frame, limiting Bloomsburg to just seven points on 21.4 percent shooting from the floor. They also did not foul Bloomsburg in the fourth quarter, keeping them away from the free-throw line.
Down by seven with 7:42 left in regulation, Mercyhurst marched their way back to tie the game and keep pace with the Huskies in the final minute to force the game into overtime.
Grace Centrulla showed out in the overtime period, making the first three Laker baskets and accounting for eight of the team's 14 points. Meanwhile, the defense hung tough and kept the Huskies to just five points.
Mercyhurst was able to bolster the margin as the Huskies turned to the foul game and the Lakers made all six of their free-throws in the final minute.
By the Numbers
Centrulla played 39 minutes and made the most of it, turning in her fourth double-double of the season with 21 points and 15 rebounds, both team-highs. Boyd finished with 15 points, including the only three three-pointers scored by the Lakers.
Emily Shopene was on the court for 41 minutes and turned in 14 points, while Meghan Komendarek was second for Mercyhurst with seven rebounds and added five points. Freshman Ava Waid played a season-high 27 minutes, giving her team five rebounds, four points, a block and a steal.
Coach's Corner
Up Next
The Lakers take to Owen McCormick Court for the final time in 2021 as they host East Stroudsburg Sunday at 1 p.m.
