Hazleton, Pa. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Women’s Basketball Team (0-9, 0-3) played some of their best basketball of the season on Saturday when they took on Penn State Hazleton (3-3,1-2) keeping the game close throughout. However, it wasn’t enough as they suffered their ninth straight loss to start the season falling 73-53.
It was a back and forth contest early on as both offenses were finding their grooves through the first two quarters of play. Hazleton had the slight advantage as they jumped out to an 18-11 lead after one quarter, but PSUGA went point for point with them in the second quarter to send the teams into the locker room with Hazleton holding a 31-24 advantage. PSUGA was within striking distance and had a chance to come out in the second half and possibly take the lead.
PSUGA’s offense continued to build in the second half as they were able to put up 14 points and keep improving on their offensive game. However, Hazleton was able to get points on the board as well putting up 21 in the third quarter. Hazleton would officially shut the door on PSUGA’s chances with another 21-point fourth quarter, and even though PSUGA put up their highest point total of the day with 15 fourth quarter points, it wouldn’t be enough as they fell 73-53.
This game was one of the most well-rounded games PSUGA has played this season with everyone contributing to the final score in one way or another. PSUGA had three players finish in double digits in the contest including points leader Brandy Taylor (Pittsburgh, Pa./Imani Christian Academy) who scored a season high 13 points in the game. Jayla Ellis (Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills) was able to keep her string of double digit games going with 12 points in the contest and Kiya Blair (Carrick, Pa./Carlynton) had her second straight double-digit game with 10 points.
Andrea Burroughs (New Rochelle, Ny./New Rochelle) played a great game under the net collecting a season high 13 rebounds to lead the team and Jayla Ellis was able to get her first double-double of the season with 10 rebounds of her own. Brandy Taylor once again led the team in assists collecting four on the day.
The good news continued for the PSUGA women’s basketball team as they kept building on their shooting percentage and improved once again from Friday’s contest. The ladies shot 29.6% (21-71) from the floor, 26.7% (4-15) from beyond the arc, and 30.8% (4-13) from the free throw line. Head Coach Chrissy French continues to encourage her ladies to improve every single game and they have been responding well through the last three contests.
After having three straight games in which they improved on their stats, the PSUGA ladies will face their toughest test of the season on Wednesday December 6th when they take on Division II Clarion on the road in a morning matchup with tip-off scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
