CALIFORNIA, Pa. – Leading by double digits in the second half and with a chance to win the game on the final possession, the IUP women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought 61-60 setback to an athletic California (Pa.) squad on Wednesday night at the Convocation Center.
 
In a matchup that featured the number five and six teams in the latest NCAA DII Atlantic Region Rankings, both teams entered with five consecutive victories as the hottest teams in the PSAC West. California (20-7, 15-6) came into the game as the top offensive rebounding team in the conference and lived up to the billing on Wednesday, used a big advantage on the glass to get back within striking distance and ultimately over the top in the second half.
 
The Vulcans finished with an 18-10 edge in offensive rebounds and a decisive 20-3 margin in second chance points. IUP (20-6, 16-5) led by as many as 16 points in the third quarter at 43-27, unable to close out a strong run in the second quarter.
 
Trailing 61-60, an overturned review gave IUP the ball with 12 seconds remaining. A driving shot attempt from the right block did not go for the visitors in an intense game.
 
Dejah Terrell registered a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Vulcans, while Allycia Harris logged 22 points and nine rebounds. Wearing down the Crimson Hawks throughout, the Vulcans dropped in the bulk of their points in the paint.
 
Overall, Cal U took 69 shots on the night compared to just 47 field goal attempts for IUP.
 
Maria Cerro posted a team-high 17 points (9-10 FT), five rebounds, five assists and four steals in 35 minutes. Nyshae' Weaver notched a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds along the low block.
 
Rahmena Henderson had 11 points, four rebounds and three assists in 40 minutes. Grace Centrulla added nine points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steals in 40 minutes.
 
Both teams have already clinched a playoff berth and IUP has locked themselves into the number two seed despite the loss. Even if both teams finish 16-6 in the league, the Hawks own the tiebreaker with a win against top-seeded Gannon earlier in the year.
 
In a slow start, California (Pa.) took a 7-2 advantage at the first media timeout of the evening. The Hawks battled past four early turnovers and closed the quarter with a 6-0 run to move back in front.
 
Off a steal, Henderson charged ahead for a layup and IUP's first lead of the night at 10-9. The Crimson Hawks continued attacking in the paint and in transition with a well-balanced output, building on their lead in the second quarter.
 
Baughman cut down the left side and finished off a feed from Centrulla for a 26-17 margin. Henderson canned IUP's first trey of the night for a 30-19 edge, part of a quick five-point personal run for Henderson.
 
The Hawks settled into the game, shooting nearly 70% (9-13) as a team in the second quarter. That offensive output carried the Hawks to a 34-19 lead at the half. IUP also limited Cal U on the defensive end, closing the first half on a 20-4 run over the last seven minutes of the second quarter.
 
All five starters had at least five points at the break for IUP, which had great scoring distribution. While IUP maintained its lead throughout the second half, Cal U attacked the glass and chipped away at a double-digit deficit throughout the third and into the fourth periods.
 
The Vulcans posted eight offensive rebounds in the third quarter alone and held a 9-1 margin in second chance points, climbing back within 48-43. Kimaya Williams converted a straightaway three just before the end of the quarter, pushing momentum firmly in favor of the hosts.
 
IUP kept the Vulcans at bay early on in the fourth quarter, stretching the margin to around four points. Cal started attacking the interior, knotting the scoring at 52 on a bucket from Williams at the 6:49 mark of the fourth.
 
Terrell fired home her 25th point of the night from the right block, this one lifting the Vulcans to a 56-54 lead with 4:51 left. The Vulcans started asserting themselves defensively, prompting multiple shot clock violations while charging back.
 
That basket put the Vulcans ahead for good despite IUP recording the final four points of the night to get back within one.
 
Up Next
IUP celebrates Senior Day on Saturday, March 2 against Clarion at the KCAC. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. with the Senior Day ceremony prior to the start of the contest.
 
Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's basketball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_WBB.