INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP women's basketball team started slowly but found their rhythm as the game progressed, defeating Lock Haven 67-50, in their conference opener at the KCAC Friday afternoon.

Nyshae' Weaver delivered an exceptional performance, posting 19 points and pulling down a career-high of 20 rebounds. She shot 8-for-16 from the field, 3-for-5 from the free-throw line, added two steals, and played 35 minutes.

Shamia Strayhorn contributed nearly 40 minutes on the court, scoring 14 points, making one steal, and shooting 5-for-7 from the free-throw line. 

Ellie Wilkerson and Grace Centrulla added 12 and 10 points, respectively, both shooting 4-for-9 from the field and going a combined 6-for-6 in free throws. Wilkerson also recorded a block and a steal, while Centrulla added two blocks.
 
As a team, IUP shot 40% from the field and an impressive 81.8% from the free-throw line (18-for-22), capitalizing on turnovers to score 14 points.
 
The game remained tight in the first quarter, with both teams scoring just 10 points after a series of missed opportunities. IUP edged out the Bald Eagles by three points through the second and third quarters.

The Hawks' scoring opened with a layup by Weaver in the paint. Their 10 first-quarter points included four free throws, two layups from Weaver, and one from Strayhorn.

In the second quarter, Centrulla scored two points, Strayhorn hit the Hawks' first three-pointer of the game, and Weaver made a jumper to give IUP a five-point lead. After a turnover and a missed three-pointer from Strayhorn, LHU tied the game at 17. The Hawks responded with a slight run, highlighted by Weaver's jumper to tie the game at 21 with just over four minutes remaining.

IUP pushed their lead to eight points in the third quarter with six points from Strayhorn, including two free throws and a layup set up by a quick steal from Wilkerson. Wilkerson's basket later extended the Hawks' lead to 10 points, their largest of the game. However, LHU fought back, after making a few crucial points, a block, and a steal. Two free throws by Marin Miller late in the third gave the Hawks just a three point cushion.

In the fourth, the Hawks powered with 25 points and limited LHU to only 11. 
 
Up Next 
IUP matches up against Shippensburg tomorrow afternoon Sunday, November 24 at 1:00 p.m. in the KCAC.
 
Follow 
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's basketball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_WBB.