Box Score Kutztown, PA-Playing two games in as many days, the Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team looked for their second straight PSAC victory today, as they traveled to Kutztown, PA. Entering the contest with an overall record of 4-2, the Lakers improved their record and secured their 2nd straight PSAC victory outlasting the Bears 62-54.
How it Happened:
The Golden Bears took an early 5-point lead to start the game. Lauren Klare answered right back, as she knocked down a three pointer in the face of a Bears defender. The Kutztown lead then grew to 7 before Bailey Kuhns converted a three-point play to bring the Lakers within 4.
Danielle Grim once again helped Mercyhurst keep pace with the Bears in the first quarter. Grim cashed in a baseline jumper and paired it with a mid-range floater two possessions later to make the score 12-10. In a relentless effort underneath, Bailey Kuhns found her way to the chairty stripe to give Mercyhurst their first lead with under a minute left in the first quarter. At the end of one, Mercyhurst held a 16-15 lead.
At the start of the 2nd quarter, the Lakers continued to pound it into Bailey Kuhns, who continued to make it tough on the opposition. The two teams continued to trade baskets, as the first half saw six lead changes. Another triple from Lauren Klare saw the Lakers gain a 2-point lead heading into the final media timeout of the half, but the Bears fought back to gain a two-point edge heading into halftime, 31-29.
Bailey Kuhns led all scorers in the first half with 9 points to go along with her 3 rebounds. Julia Buchman put together a strong half posting 6 points. The Bears found their way to the foul line 19 times in the half.
The third quarter began with the two teams trading blows once again. Julia Buchman carried the squad in the third, hitting threes in back-to-back possessions. Lauren Klare then converted a floater midway through the quarter to give the Lakers a one-point lead. Paige Woodford extended that lead with a three of her own as the Lakers took a 46-41 lead into the final frame.
Mercyhurst quickly extended their lead to 8 with a three-point play by Maria McConnell. Mercyhurst then grew their lead to double digits midway through the 4th. As the final whistle blew, the Lakers secured their second consecutive PSAC victory, 62-54.
Highlights:
Lauren Klare put up 14 points in the win and continued her hot shooting streak as she led all Laker scorers.
Bailey Kuhns continued to be a force underneath for the Lakers. On the day she tallied 12 points and 5 rebounds.
Julia Buchman put together a solid performance posting 12 points and 3 rebounds. Buchman was very effective off the dribble, either finishing at the rim or drawing contact. Her change of speeds and ability to create space allowed her to have her way attacking the rim, which opened up her shot from beyond the arc. She was deadly from all areas of the floor today.
Up Next:
Mercyhurst will head back to Erie, PA to prepare for their next game on Thursday, December 7th. The mid-week matchup against Tiffin will tip-off at 12:00 PM.
