GREENSBURG, Pa. – Senior forward
Megan Smith (Blain, Pa./West Perry) scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead ninth-ranked IUP women's basketball to an 86-71 win at Seton Hill in the Crimson Hawks' regular season finale Saturday.
Smith's line included a 9-of-18 performance from the field, draining six 3-pointers, with three assists and three blocks in 36 minutes.
The win tied the IUP record for regular season and conference victories as the Crimson Hawks head into next week's Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships with a 25-2 overall record, including a 20-2 league record. Both records were previously set by the 2014-15 team.
With the Crimson Hawks holding a narrow three-point lead at halftime, Seton Hill (19-9, 14-8 PSAC) opened the third quarter with an 11-5 run to take a 43-40 lead midway through the quarter.
Not only was that the largest lead Seton Hill had, but it was the last. A layup by
Audrey Stapleton (Indiana, Pa./Indiana) started a 23-8 IUP run as the Crimson Hawks took a 12-point lead right before the fourth quarter. Smith scored eight points on the run, including two of the Crimson Hawks' four 3-pointers.
IUP used another 10-2 run early in the fourth quarter to build a comfortable lead down the stretch.
In addition to Smith's 28, junior guard
Carolyn Appleby (Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Central Catholic) netted 20 points, hitting 7-of-13 from the field and 5-of-6 from the foul line. She added a season-high eight rebounds and four assists.
Stapleton scored 13 points and went 3-of-6 from long range.
Lauren Wolosik (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Catholic) also went for 13 points while dishing out five assists.
Posted season-bests in free throws made (22) and 3-pointers made (12).
Up next
The Crimson Hawks have clinched home court advantage in next week's PSAC tournament and will host the quarterfinal round Wednesday, Feb. 28. Tipoff will be 5:30 p.m. against the winner of the Seton Hill/Gannon first round matchup.
Follow
For up-to-date game information, visit www.IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's basketball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_WBB.
