Box Score WEST CHESTER, PA -
Lindsay Stamp (Erie, Pa. /Mercyhurst Prep) and
Leslie Stapleton (Indiana, Pa. /Indiana) both posted 20-point games to help the Crimson Hawks cruise by the West Chester Golden Rams 76-54, Saturday in West Chester. The two sunk a combined 45 points, 25 from Stamp and 20 from Stapleton, and 17 rebounds. Stapleton's 20 points tied her season-high, which she recorded in November against Shepherd.
Throughout the 40 minutes of play, the Crimson Hawks held the lead for just over 32 minutes, a lead percentage of 80.6. The Golden Rams attacked first with a jumper just 40 seconds into the game. Stapleton followed 15 seconds later with a three-pointer for the Crimson Hawks.
The two teams battled back-and-forth, and went into a media timeout tied 17-17 with 11 minutes remaining in the half. After West Chester posted four more points, Stamp scored a layup to give the Crimson Hawks a lead that they would hold on to for the remainder of the competition.
The second half followed suit of most of IUP's games this season with the Crimson Hawks holding onto a strong lead. The Golden Rams were held off by at least 15 points throughout the second 20 minutes, which led to a final score of 76-54.
This win was the Crimson Hawks' 12th consecutive of the season, and added to their perfect 12-0 overall record, 8-0 in the PSAC. IUP's victory, paired with California's loss to Bloomsburg makes IUP the only undefeated team in the conference, and earned them the number one placement in the PSAC West.
Other notable players on IUP's offense were starters
Marita Mathe (Indiana, Pa. /Indiana) and
Amy Fairman (Creekside, Pa. /Marion Center), each with eight points, and
Zhane Brooks (Erie, Pa. /Villa Maria) with seven of her own. In addition, Mathe posted a season-high eight assists, beating her previous high of seven, which was set in the team's matchup against Lock Haven.
Eight Crimson Hawks' saw action off the bench for IUP, and put up a combined 11 points and 16 rebounds.
On the defensive side of the ball, the team posted five steals - two each from Fairman and Brooks, and one from Mathe - and two blocks by Stamp and Brooks.
IUP sunk 30-of-67 shots from the field and 11-of-29 from behind the arc. At the foul line, the team shot for a 55.6 free throw percentage.
The undefeated Crimson Hawks return to action Wednesday, January 7, when they host Cheyney at the Kovalchick Complex. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
