Erie, Pa – Despite great efforts, Mercyhurst Women's Basketball falls to IUP by a score of 82-64.
 
First Half
The Lakers started the game with a punch, as Jayde Boyd stole the ball and scored the jumper to extend the early lead to nine points, 9-0.
 

 
IUP woke up after the first media time-out and went on the run, but the Lakers prevailed and won the first quarter by the score of 16-13.
 
The Eagles continued in the second, as they kept applying pressure and going inside. Thanks to their scoring run, IUP jumped out into the eight-point lead with four minutes left in the half, 20-28.
 
The Lakers answered back, as Ava Waid penetrated inside and passed to Bailey Kuhns, who scored the layup inside, 22-28.
 

 
Mercyhurst finished the half strong as Julia Buchman knocked down a three pointer to cut the IUP lead to three points, 27-30.
 
Second Half
The Eagles started the third quarter well, as they would often capitalize on offensive rebounds and physical plays. The Lakers didn't give up, as Buchman cut backdoor and scored an acrobatic and-one bucket, 33-43.
 

 
She struck again couple minutes later, as she drained a deep three pointer from a nice pass by Lexi Wagner, 38-46. The Eagles also played well, as they finished the third quarter well, 42-53.
 
IUP continued in the fourth, as they kept scoring and extending their lead. Wagner knocked down a quick catch-and-shoot three pointers with three minutes left in the game, 53-67. She followed that with another long-distance shots in the next play, 56-69.
 
Game Highlights
Julia Buchaman led the charge with 13 points and she was followed by Bailey Kuhns with 11. Lexi Wagner and Ava Waid registered four assists each, and Danialle Grim added two steals and one rejection.
 
Playoff Picture
The Lakers sit at the seventh spot in the PSAC West Standings with 8-8 conference mark. Every remaining game is set to be extremely important for playoff seeding.
 
What's Next
Mercyhurst hits the road on Wednesday, February 8^th as they take on Slippery Rock in hopes to avenge their loss in their first matchup of the season. The game is set for 5:30 P.M.