WARRIOR WOMEN’S HOOPS STUNS DREW IN OVERTIME VICTORY

MADISON, N.J. – The Lycoming College women’s basketball team traveled to Drew University, Saturday afternoon, for an important Freedom Conference contest. The Warriors trailed by 19 points with less than 10 minutes to play in the game, but fought back to force overtime and eventually defeat the Rangers, 76-73, on the road. Lycoming improves to 12-6 overall and 4-3 within the conference. Drew falls to 9-6 and 3-4.

The Warriors shot just 22% from the field in the first half, digging themselves a 35-20 hole at halftime. Their deficit swelled to 19 points with 9:42 to play in the second half before they began their comeback.

Lycoming held the Rangers to just three points over the next five minutes, while scoring 15 points of their own to close within seven. Mindy Culp (Jr./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) sparked the run with a trio of jump shots and Rebecca Pugh (So./Pine Grove, Pa.; Pine Grove) added a key three-pointer.

After a triple by Drew’s Courtney Cunningham pushed the home team’s lead back to 10 at 63-53, the Warriors went on another run. This one gave Lycoming their first lead of the game when Pugh hit another three-pointer to put the Warriors up 65-63 with 1:15 to play in regulation. Emily DiMarco (Sr./Voorhees, N.J.; Eastern) added a free throw with 14 seconds on the clock to push the lead to 66-63. The Rangers’ Melissa Kraft, however, connected on a shot from beyond the arc with just four second to play to force an extra period.

In overtime, the two teams traded the lead three times and found themselves even twice, including 73-73 with 1:24 to play. Each squad missed a chance to take the lead as the clock moved into the final minute. Finally with 24 seconds on the clock, Pugh connected for her third three-pointer of the game and a 76-73 Lycoming lead. At the other end, Kraft was unable to repeat her buzzer-beating heroics as the Warriors stole the conference win.

DiMarco led Lycoming with 19 points in the game as the Warriors had four players post double digits in scoring. Culp added 13 markers and four assists. Danielle Kern (So./Lehman, Pa.; Lake-Lehman) contributed 12 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Pugh tallied 11 points.

Drew was led by Kraft with 24 points, Cunningham with 19 points, and Lauren Aliano with 10 points. Sarah Marquez led the team with 11 assists and nine rebounds.

Lycoming will be in action again on Wednesday, February 4, when they host nationally ranked University of Scranton. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.