CALIFORNIA, Pa. – IUP women's basketball dropped road matchup at California (Pa.) as they were unable to overcome an early deficit in a 77-63 loss.
 
IUP dropped to 15-4 overall and 10-3 in the conference while Cal U improved to 11-9 overall and 7-6 in the conference. IUP shot .421 from the field and had 23 turnovers that Cal U capitalized on for 30 points. 
 
Shamia Strayhorn led the team with 24 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Nyshae' Weaver contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, while Lily Jordan rounded out the top three scorers with 12 points and five rebounds.
 
Both teams started strong offensively, but IUP entered the second quarter trailing 26-17. At the five-minute mark in the first, each team traded baskets on three consecutive possessions, with IUP still behind by nine. Strayhorn's three-pointer and Jordan's jumper cut the deficit to three at 2:33, that made it 20-17. However, IUP struggled to score for the remainder of the quarter, while the Vulcans added three more baskets to extend their lead.
 
In the second quarter, Weaver and Jordan each scored four points, which brought the Hawks within three at 29-26 with 7:06 left. Weaver's layup at 2:33 marked 10 points on the night for her. A Vulcan's three-pointer at 1:01 deepened the Hawks's deficit back to double digits. 
 
IUP scored a few baskets in the third but was not enough to close the gap, as Cal U maintained a 60-47 lead. 
 
IUP made two free throws before their first field goal of the fourth quarter by a Strayhorn layup at 5:33. In the final minutes, IUP went on an 11-4 run but ultimately fell short, to finish with a 77-63 loss. Strayhorn scored 11 of her 24 points in the fourth quarter.
 
Up Next 
IUP returns to action next Saturday, February 8, 2025, at nationally ranked Gannon. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. 

Follow 
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's basketball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_WBB.