INDIANA, Pa. – IUP battled back in the fourth quarter after a slow second-half start, securing a 74-63 victory over Kutztown on Tuesday afternoon at the KCAC.

The Hawks improved to 9-0 overall and 5-0 in the PSAC to remain undefeated, while the Golden Bears fell to 4-8 overall and 0-4 in conference play.

IUP dominated the first half, outscoring Kutztown in both the first and second quarters to take a 41-30 lead into halftime. However, the Golden Bears found their rhythm in the third quarter, tallying 20 points while holding the Hawks to just eight. IUP responded strongly in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points from the field and adding 10 from the free-throw line.

Despite struggling in the third quarter, shooting just 23.08%, the Hawks maintained nearly 50% shooting in the other three quarters. They capitalized on turnovers, scoring 20 points off them, and added 17 fast-break points.

Ellie Wilkerson led IUP for the first time this season with 19 points, shooting 7-for-9 from the field, 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, and 2-for-2 at the free throw line. She also contributed one assist, one rebound, and one steal.

Janeira Scott followed closely with 15 points and five rebounds, while Shamia Strayhorn added 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Nyshae' Weaver and Marin Miller each chipped in 10 points. Weaver also grabbed nine rebounds, shot 4-for-6 from the field, and added three assists and two steals. Lily Jordan rounded out the scoring with six points, four rebounds, and a block and a steal.

The game started with Wilkerson hitting an early three-pointer. A steal by Weaver set up Strayhorn for a layup at the 6:44 mark. Both teams exchanged baskets until Miller scored back-to-back with a layup and a three-pointer, giving IUP a 19-14 lead with under two minutes left in the first quarter. Jordan added a jumper before Wilkerson's turnover allowed Kutztown to score a final basket, ending the first quarter at 21-16.

Scott opened the second quarter scoring with a layup at 8:25, followed by a three-pointer assisted by Strayhorn, pushing IUP's lead to seven. The Hawks went on a 13-2 run just before Miller answered with another big three at 1:26 that gave IUP their largest lead of the night, 14 points.

Kutztown came out strong in the third quarter with a 9-0 run, narrowing the gap before Miller's jumper ended IUP's scoring drought. The Golden Bears tied the score at 44 at 3:58 after two made free throws, taking the lead 45-44 after the third final one went in the basket. Strayhorn answered with a layup, and Wilkerson added another three-pointer. Kutztown held a narrow 50-49 lead entering the fourth.

Wilkerson scored eight points in the fourth quarter, six of which came within the first three minutes after she made two layups and two free throws. Weaver's layup at 7:29 put IUP back on top. Scott followed with a three-pointer and a free throw, extending the lead to seven points with under five minutes to play. IUP closed the game on a 10-2 run, including six points from the free throw line, sealing the win.
 
Up Next 
IUP travels to Ashland on Thursday, December 19. Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
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