Reading, Pa- The Penn St. Berks Women's Basketball Team failed to keep pace with a second half push by Wilson College, falling to the Phoenix by a score of 77-61 on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Berks (1-15 Overall, 1-9 UE) fell behind early as Wilson (7-13 Overall, 6-5 UE) opened the game on a 12-0 run. Ashlyn Clark got the offense started, hitting a 3-pointer from the corner. After a layup by Hailey Miller, Clark again splashed a 3-pointer, bringing Berks back within six points. Later in the quarter, Gabrielle Merritt put back an offensive rebound, cutting the deficit down to three points. The Phoenix led 21-18 heading into the second quarter.

Wilson stretched their lead back to seven early in the quarter, but layups by Jalyn Hann and Miller kept the Lions within striking distance. Berks had cut the deficit back to two when Merritt made a 3-pointer to give the Lions their first lead of the game. Mahala Ruffner and Abigail Pfander kept Berks ahead, converting contested shots in the paint. Wilson scored the final points of the half, sending the game into the locker room tied at 37.

The Phoenix started the second half on a 10-0 run, retaking a double-digit advantage. Clark momentarily halted the run, converting a pair of layups in the paint. Wilson continued to push the pace, scoring the nine points of the half to lead by 19 heading to the fourth quarter. The Lions tried to cut into the deficit early in the final frame with Jalyn Hann hitting a jump shot to pull back within 15 points. The Phoenix slammed the door shut with one final 8-0 run, that put the game out of reach, eventually earning the 77-61 victory.

Clark led Berks in scoring, finishing with 14 points. Merritt recorded another double-double, finishing with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Miller also reached double figures, scoring 11 points and dishing three assists.

WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will host SUNY Delhi for the first time ever in a nonconference match-up on Thursday, Jan. 30. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

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