Eagles Start Hot, but can't hold off Alvernia Charge

ST. DAVIDS, Pa. — - The Eastern University Women's Basketball team played perhaps their best 27 minutes of basketball at the outset of tonight's game against PAC third seed Alvernia, but the deeper Crusaders finally wore down the Eagles and pulled away to a 92-69 win late.

The Crusader depth was evident early, as Michelle Lutzkanin, who was starting because of an injury, hit five first half three-pointers, and went on to hit nine of twelve from behind the arc to lead four Crusaders in double figures.

The Crusaders looked as though they were going to pull away early, but the Eagles used inside baskets from Raya Shores and several medium range jumpers from Jacey Bray to close a twelve point deficit to two in a high scoring first half.

Emily Reeser hit a pair of threes out of the break to tie the game at 51, and the Eagles were able to keep within striking distance and were able tie the game at 62 on a short jumper from Hannah Tobin.

The deeper Crusaders were able to keep the scoring pace going as the Crusaders broke open a 62-62 tie with thirteen minutes to play. Ashley Blevins scored 15 points in the decisive 30-7 run down the stretch. Blevins, who finished with 18 points, was joined in double figures for the Crusaders by Lauren Fortna with 16 and Joanna Graber with 14.

The Eagles, who shot 46 % from the field in the first half and took care of the basketball for the first half, cooled off in the second half as they could muster just two field goals over the last 13 minutes of the game. Jacey Bray and Raya Shores each scored 17 for the Eagles, and Emily Reeser hit three three-pointers for 13 points.

The Eagles conclude their season with a non-conference game against Lincoln University at 1:00 on Saturday.

BOX

Women's Basketball Home