INDIANA, Pa. - IUP women's basketball's big first half solidified their 68-39 win against Clarion Saturday afternoon at the KCAC.

With this victory, IUP improved to 15-3 overall and 10-2 in the conference, dropping Clarion to 12-8 overall and 6-6 in the PSAC.

IUP's top point scorer for the night was Shamia Strayhorn. Strayhorn posted 17 points, two rebounds, one block, and one steal. Nyshae' Weaver grabbed her eighth double-double of the season, totaling 13 points and 12 rebounds, while also contributing four assists and one steal.

The Crimson Hawks shot .452 from the field, scored 19 points off turnovers, and limited the Golden Eagles to .288 from the field.  

In the first quarter, Clarion stepped in front of IUP with a 4-2 lead, but Weaver quickly responded with two points of her own, ultimately sealing the fate of the Golden Eagles, despite the game going back and forth. Strayhorn and Ellie Wilkerson capitalized on a turnover and a foul to extend their lead to 16-10 in the first quarter.

IUP opened up the second quarter with a layup and block by Grace Centrulla, which quickly turned into a seven-point run for the Crimson Hawks. Despite a made jumper by Clarion, IUP went on another seven-point run to close out the first half in control, 36-17. 

The Crimson Hawks came out of the gate quickly in the third quarter, with baskets from Weaver, Centrulla, and Janeira Scott upping their lead by 11. With a made jumper by Strayhorn and a steal by Wilkerson, IUP was able to lead the Golden Eagles by 28, until Clarion cut their lead down to 23 by the end of the third.

With the start of the fourth, IUP's defense locked up Clarion, preventing the Golden Eagles from scoring until minute four of the quarter. After two Clarion field goals, Wilkerson and Jordan made consecutive baskets to up their lead to 67-34. IUP's Kamiya Dambreville scored their final point of the game, solidifying a dominant victory for the Crimson Hawks, 68-39. 

Up Next
IUP heads out to California, Pa. for a game against the Cal U Vulcans on Wednesday, January 29 at 5:30 p.m.

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