Erie, Pa – Despite late-game heroics, Mercyhurst Women's Basketball falls to Slippery Rock at home, 60-58. The Lakers move to 9-6 overall and 5-4 in conference.
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How It Happened
The first half of the ball game was very intense, as both teams played very hard and fought for every possession. Danielle Grim started the game well, as she made her first shot of the game from the corner, tying the game at 3-3. A couple of minutes later Lexi Wagner capitalized on the opponent's defensive breakdown and knocked down another three-pointer for the Lakers, 15-14.
Grim struck again in the first quarter, as she beat her defender using a hesitation move, and went inside for a buzzer-beater layup, putting Mercyhurst squad in a four-point lead, 23-19.
The Lakers kept applying pressure in the second quarter, as Jayde Boyd knocked down a deep three-pointer with four minutes on the clock, 29-25. Slippery Rock also capitalized on a couple of scoring opportunities, but despite their efforts, the Lakers went into the break winning by one point, 33-32.
The second half was like the first one, as the players would often find themselves diving on the floor and fighting for the ball. The Lakers fell behind in the third quarter but came back late in the fourth quarter. Wagner showcased her shot making, as she knocked down a three-pointer with 29 seconds left, minimizing the Rock's lead to just one point, 56-55.
The Lakers fouled Kennedy Middleton to stop the clock, and she made both of her free throws. Mercyhurst advanced the ball after a time-out, and Wagner got the ball after a hand-off. She once again drained a deep three-pointer, tying the game 58-58.
Slippery Rock answered right away, as Middleton penetrated inside and made an acrobatic layup, winning the game for her team, 60-58.
By The Numbers
Lexi Wagner led the charge for the Lakers with 16 points, as she was helped by Danielle Grim with 11. Grace Centrulla recorded a team-high six rebounds and added one rejection. The Lakers forced 21 turnovers, but were out-rebounded by the Rock, 39-30.
What's Next
Mercyhurst gets back on the road on Wednesday, January 18th, to take on Cal (Pa.) in another PSAC West matchup.
