HTML Box ScoreINDIANA, PA – With four players reaching double-figures in scoring, the IUP women's basketball team upset No. 25 Gannon 74-51 on Saturday night at the Kovalchick Complex.
This win marks the first time since the 2011-12 season that IUP has defeated Gannon. In 2012, the Crimson Hawks beat the Golden Knights in the season finale 69-64. The team then faced Gannon again in the first round of the PSAC Tournament where IUP found a 71-68 overtime victory.
Saturday, the Crimson Hawks were led offensively by
Ashley Stoner (Pittsburgh, Pa. /Thomas Jefferson) and
Lindsay Stamp (Erie, Pa. /Mercyhurst Prep), who each posted 18 points. Stoner, who scored her first career three-pointer, recorded two rebounds and one block, while Stamp added seven rebounds and two assists.
Gannon attacked first with a layup just 20 seconds into action. IUP quickly responded, and took their first lead of the game with 18:04 on the clock. The scoring front-runner went back and forth between the two teams, but a score of 17-16 with less than 12 minutes remaining in the first half was the last time the Golden Knights would be on top.
At the half, IUP led 37-27, marking the seventh consecutive game the Crimson Hawks have won after being the leader at halftime.
In the second half, IUP led by at least 10 points for the last 18 minutes of play. With 5:51 on the clock, the Crimson Hawks stretched that lead to 20 points and never looked back. Saturday's victory improved IUP's record to 7-0, 3-0 in the PSAC. With this win, the Crimson Hawks now share the PSAC West lead with California (PA).
Zhane Brooks (Erie, Pa. /Villa Maria) came off the bench for IUP and put up 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal. Mathe, true to form, tallied six assists in addition to her 12 points and two steals. Fairman added to her team high steals with three. She also added five points and four rebounds.
As a team, the Crimson Hawks recorded 6 steals, 34 rebounds – with 28 coming from the defense – and 22 assists. IUP shot for a field goal percentage of .500, and went 11-for-19 from the foul line.
The Crimson Hawks have started their season 7-0 and are one of only two teams in the PSAC West (Cal) with perfect records in the conference with a 3-0 mark. They will face their next opponent December 6 at the KCAC. Tipoff against Mansfield is set for 5:30 p.m.
