INDIANA, Pa. — The IUP women's basketball team held the lead for nearly three quarters but could not keep the momentum going in the fourth, dropping to California (Pa.), 69-62 Wednesday evening at home. 

With this loss, IUP dropped to 19-6 overall and 14-5 in the conference. Cal U improved to 16-10 overall and 12-7 in the PSAC.

Nyshae' Weaver notched a double-double with 14 rebounds and 16 points. Weaver also posted one block, three steals, and shot 7-for-9 FG. Shamia Strayhorn also led with 16 points and posted three steals. Ellie Wilkerson rounded out the top scorers with 13 points, two blocks, and one steal.

The teams traded baskets early on in the first quarter just before a jumper by Wilkerson sparked an IUP 11-0 run to jump out to a 17-5 lead at the 1:20 mark. Cal U closed the first with two free throws and a three-pointer. 

Lily Jordan opened the scoring for the Hawks in the second with a jumper. At the five-minute mark, the teams took turns scoring. IUP held the Vulcans to zero points in the final two minutes. Weaver added a layup at 1:40 and another with two seconds left to put the Hawks up by six, 31-25.

In the third, IUP added two baskets that pushed them to a double-digit lead. Cal U went on an 8-0 that cut their trail to two points. A three-pointer from the Vulcans tied the game at 44 a piece at 2:12. IUP struggled with turnovers, eventually losing their lead, 50-46.

Weaver opened the scoring in the fourth quarter with a layup that put the Hawks within two, 50-48. IUP's next-made basket came at 4:06 from another Weaver layup, she contributed all six of IUP's points so far this quarter. The Hawks went on a six-point run that shortened the gap from double digits to five points. Wilkerson's layup with just under a minute put the Hawks within three, although four free throws from Cal U secured the Hawks' loss, 69-62.

Up Next
IUP concludes the 2025 regular season on the road on Friday, February 28, at Clarion. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
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