Reading, Pa- The Penn St. Berks Women's Basketball Team knocked off SUNY Delhi in their final non-conference game of the season, defeating the Broncos by a score of 64-59 on Thursday, Jan. 30.

Berks (2-16 Overall, 1-9 UE) jumped out to an early lead, with Gabrielle Merritt hitting a 3-pointer in transition. After a layup by Merritt, Hailey Miller finished a layup in transition, putting the Lions ahead 7-1. Morgan Dunbar and Abigail Pfander each added layups as Berks pushed their lead to seven with 3:40 remaining in the quarter. The Broncos (0-19 Overall, 0-9 NAC) fought back, closing the quarter on a 7-2 run to pull back within a possession heading into the second quarter. The teams traded baskets early in the second quarter, with Dunbar connecting on a 3-pointer to make the score 20-15. The Lions continued to attack the paint with Ashlyn Clark and Mahala Ruffner powering in layups in the paint. SUNY Delhi closed the half by scoring the final five points, tying the game at 31 going into the half.

The Lions found themselves trailing early in third quarter, but Gianna Roberts put Berks back in front drilling a 3-pointer from the wing. Miller kept the Blue & White ahead, coming away with a steal and converting a layup in transition. SUNY Delhi answered back, building a four-point lead midway through quarter. Dunbar tried to jump start the offense, driving to the basket, drawing a foul and converting a three-point play. Miller closed the quarter by hitting two free throws to give Berks a 45-44 lead heading to the final frame.

The Broncos once again surged ahead, recapturing a four-point lead in the opening two minutes of the quarter. Once again, Miller had an answer, converting a three-point play to bring Berks back within one. Miller scored on the Lions' next two trips down the floor, keeping Berks ahead 52-51. SUNY Delhi responded, retaking the lead momentarily, but Ruffner leveled the score at 54, powering in layup. Dunbar put Berks back ahead for good, drilling a 3-pointer with 4:40 remaining in the game. Miller converted several layups down the stretch, securing the 64-59 victory.

Miller turned in one of her best performances of the season, scoring 23 points to along with 12 rebounds. Morgan Dunbar reached double figures, scoring 11 points. Merritt came up just short of recording her second straight double-double, posting nine points and nine rebounds. Ruffner gave Berks a major lift of the bench, scoring eight points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Clark added 12 rebounds and a team-high eight assists. Berks dominated the glass, holding a 56-29 edge in rebounds and a 40-22 edge in points in the paint.

WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will celebrate Senior Day before taking on Bryn Athyn College on Saturday, Feb. 1. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM.

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