READING, Pa. — Eastern defeated Penn State-Berks on Wednesday, November 12, 72-51, at the Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center.
Penn State Berks opened the first quarter with a strong presence, scoring 14 points. The Nittany Lions capitalized on turnovers, converting six points from Eastern's mistakes. Gabrielle Merritt led the defensive effort with solid rebounding, contributing a total of 15 rebounds for the team. Berks and Eastern were evenly matched in the first, highlighting the competitive nature of the initial exchanges. Hailey Miller was instrumental in extending the lead, scoring multiple layups, including a three-point play with 2:14 remaining. The Lions closed the quarter with a layup from Annie Laubach, building a 16–9 advantage over the Eagles. The second quarter began with Berks maintaining momentum from the first, but Eastern quickly narrowed the gap. Laubach contributed with early layups, keeping the home team's lead intact initially. However, the Eagles responded with a series of successful free throws and a three-pointer by Jeriyah Johnson, tying the score at 20–20 midway through the quarter.
Eastern then extended their lead by utilizing turnovers with a mixture of free throws and baskets, while the Nittany Lions struggled to find their shooting rhythm. Miller's fastbreak layup briefly put Berks ahead, but Eastern finished the quarter strong, with Adriana Summersett's layup capping a 23-point quarter. By the end of the quarter, Eastern led 32–24. Penn State Berks began the third quarter with Jalyn Hann scoring a layup. However, the team struggled offensively, making 3 of 16 field goal attempts. Defensive rebounds by Miller and Merritt provided some resistance, but turnovers limited potential scoring opportunities. The quarter ended with Berks trailing 56-33 after a late 3-pointer by Gianna Roberts.
The Lions opened the fourth quarter with a strong defensive effort, forcing six turnovers and scoring frequently in transition. Miller contributed significantly with key plays in the paint, including a three-pointer at 4:34, assisted by Abigail Pfander, showing their efforts until the buzzer. Despite trailing, Berks capitalized on Eastern's turnovers to maintain momentum. In the latter half of the quarter, Laubach's performance was pivotal. She scored a layup and followed it with consecutive free throws at 1:13, narrowing the gap. Although Eastern responded with perimeter shooting, including a three-pointer at 0:24, Berks closed the quarter with a late surge, ending with Roberts' fast-break layup. The game concluded with Eastern leading 72-51.
Miller led the charge with a double-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals. Laubach contributed 17 points and two steals. Merritt collected nine rebounds and three steals. Pfander added five assists and two rebounds.
WHO'S NEXT
Looking ahead, Berks will take part in the Renie Amoss Tip Off Classic hosted by Goucher College, facing Lehman College on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7:00 PM. The game will take place in Baltimore, Maryland.
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