INDIANA, Pa. – Senior guard Leslie Stapleton (Indiana, Pa. /Indiana) scored 15 of her team-high 20 points in the third quarter as three IUP players reached double figures in scoring in Saturday's 68-57 victory over visiting Clarion. With the Crimson Hawks' victory paired with Gannon's loss Saturday, IUP moves into first place in the PSAC West with a 10-3 division record. IUP is 13-4 overall, while Clarion drops to 6-13 overall and 6-7 in West division play. 

Stapleton did most of her damage from behind the arc, draining four three-pointers in 35 minutes of play. Saturday was her third straight game of scoring at least 20 points, and her sixth of the season.

Senior forward Zhané Brooks used a strong first half to power her way to her sixth double-double of the season, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore guard Megan Smith (Blain, Pa./West Perry) stuffed the box score with 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists and five blocks.

As a team, the Crimson Hawks shot 45.2 percent from the floor while hitting seven three-pointers. Led by senior guard Marina Wareham (New Wilmington, Pa. /Kennedy Catholic)'s six helpers, IUP assisted on 21 of 28 made field goals.
In the first quarter, IUP raced out to an 11-0 lead inside the game's first four minutes to build an early 18-7 lead. Brooks scored eight of the 18 points on four layups, while Smith chipped in with five.

Stapleton came out in the second half firing, scoring 15 of IUP's 24 third-quarter points, as the Crimson Hawks outscored Clarion by 10 in the period.

After having its seven-game winning streak snapped with an 87-86 overtime loss Wednesday to Pitt-Johnstown, the Crimson Hawks have a chance to start another win streak Wednesday against Seton Hill. That game, which tips off at 5:30 at the Kovalchick Complex, is a White Out.

For up-to-date game information, visit www.IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's basketball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_WBB.