Morristown, NJ- The Penn St. Berks Women's Basketball Team could not overcome a second quarter surge by Saint Elizabeth University, falling to the Eagles by a score of 79-53 on Tuesday, January 14.

The Lions (0-13 Overall, 0-7 UE) took a while to settle in on the road, with Gabrielle Merritt scoring the team's first basket. Ashlyn Clark slashed an early deficit to two, knocking down a jump shot. The Eagles (8-7 Overall, 4-2 UE) rattled off five-straight points, building a seven-point lead. Merritt halted the run drilling a 3-pointer and Clark added another jumper pulling the Lions back within five. Trailing by nine in the final minute of the first quarter, Morgan Dunbar swished a 3-pointer. Jalyn Hann added a free throw, but the Lions trailed 22-15 heading to the second quarter. Saint Elizabeth opened the second quarter on an 8-1 run, extending their advantage. Merritt tried to keep Berks within striking distance, hitting a jumper and a 3-pointer. The Eagles defense held the Lions without a basket from the field in final five minutes of the half, and Berks trailed 48-25 at the break.

Berks looked to regain their offensive rhythm in the second half with Clark scoring the first four points of the third quarter.  Dunbar then found Clark for a 3-pointer, cutting the deficit down to 18 points. Haliey Miller and Dunbar converted layups helping Berks continue to chip away at the deficit. The Eagles responded, closing the third quarter on a 10-2 run to regain momentum. The Lions could not recapture momentum in the final frame as Saint Elizabeth rolled to 79-53 victory.

Clark led the Lions offense, scoring 13 points to go along with eight rebounds. Miller finished the game with a double-double, racking up 11 points and 11 rebounds. Merritt was extremely active in the first half, posting 11 points. Gianna Roberts and Dunbar each recorded three assists. Berks did win the rebounding battle, holding a 47-45 edge in rebounds.

WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will play a makeup game with Penn College, traveling to face the Wildcats on Thursday, Jan. 16. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

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