INDIANA, Pa. – IUP gained the lead early in the fourth quarter to hold off Virginia State, securing a 62-54 victory Sunday afternoon to close out the weekend.
 
Grace Centrulla had a day after shooting 6-8 FG and made four three pointers. She recorded six rebounds, one assist, a block, and a steal. Shamia Strayhorn was close behind contributing 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. Nyshae' Weaver shot 4-7 FG, added nine rebounds, and two steals.
 
In the first quarter, the teams were tightly matched, with no more than a two-point difference between them.
 
In the second, a jumper from Grace Centrulla and a three-pointer from Marin Miller helped the Hawks build a seven-point lead. A quick offensive rebound and put-back layup by Nyshae' Weaver extended IUP's advantage to 10 with five minutes remaining in the half. However, a turnover by Janeira Scott in the final minute allowed Virginia State to score and narrow the deficit to just one point.
 
IUP headed into the half up by one, 28-27.
 
In the third, IUP trailed by eight points but with the help of two crucial three pointers from Centrulla, the Hawks were able to finish the third tied 43-43. The fourth quarter began with a three-minute scoring drought until Centrulla hit another three-pointer to give IUP the lead.
 
Several fouls from Virginia State allowed IUP to capitalize at the free-throw line, adding six more points in the final minutes to seal a 62-54 victory.
 
IUP added 32 points in the paint and capitalized on eight turnovers for additional points.
 
Up Next 
IUP will host Penn State Beaver Monday, November 18 for the annual Education Day. Tipoff is set for 11:00 a.m.
 
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For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's basketball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_WBB.