INDIANA, Pa. – IUP women's basketball defeated Pitt-Johnstown 84-62 Wednesday evening, after strong performances from Miller and Centrulla.
 
The Hawks improved to 13-2 overall and 8-1 in the PSAC while the Mountain cats dropped to 2-15 overall and 0-10 in the conference. 
 
IUP shot .542 from the field today and .615 beyond the arc. They capitalized on turnovers, scoring 29 points, and maintained the lead throughout the game, trailing only twice. The bench contributed 24 points this evening. 
 
Miller had a career night after she led the Hawks with 24 points, shot 9-for-13 from the field including four three-pointers, and grabbed six rebounds. Grace Centrulla came close with 21 points, shot 8-for-11 from the field, led the team with eight rebounds, and posted each a a block and steal. Defensively Janeira Scott played for 29 minutes, led the Hawks with five steals, scored 14 points, grabbed five rebounds, and had four assists. 

Shamia Strayhorn opened the scoring for the Hawks with consecutive layups, tying the score at 4-4 at the 7:55 minute mark. UPJ went on a six-point run, jumping ahead 10-4 until Strayhorn added the third basket for the Hawks with two minutes to go. Miller made a jump shot and converted a free throw to put the Hawks within three. Her and Centrulla hit consecutive three-pointers to give IUP a 15-14 lead heading into the second quarter.
 
In the second quarter, Miller scored three quick baskets to extend IUP's lead to 22-15 at the 6:45 mark. Soon after, Miller answered with another pair of baskets. Later, Scott's steal and jumper with 1:09 remaining in the half pushed the lead to 17 points. The Hawks went into halftime with a 40-22 advantage.

Scott and Centrulla had strong third quarters after they both shot perfectly, Scott went 5-for-5 while Centrulla went 4-for-4, including two made three's. Miller added a three-pointer as time ran out, putting the Hawks up with 28 points, 64-36. 
 
IUP's largest lead of the night was 36 points just under four minutes. UPJ responded with four straight three-pointers and three free throws, narrowing the gap to 24 points. The Mountain Cats added one final basket before IUP sealed the game with an 84-62 win.

Up Next 
IUP closes out their home game stretch on Saturday, January 18 against Seton Hill. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. inside the KCAC.
 
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