READING, Pa. — Penn State Berks held off Gallaudet winning by a score of 58-55, at the Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center, securing the win with a strong defensive performance that included eight blocks. This victory marked the Lions' first win over Gallaudet since 2020.
Berks started strong with
Gabrielle Merritt sinking a 3-pointer, assisted by
Gianna Roberts, just seconds into the first quarter. The team maintained early momentum as
Hailey Miller added a jumper, building an initial 5–2 lead. Defensive efforts included three blocks, two by Miller, which helped contain the Bison's advances in the paint. Despite turnovers on both sides, the Blue & White managed to keep pace, with Merritt hitting another 3-pointer later in the quarter. The home team showcased effective ball movement, with Roberts contributing multiple assists, eventually setting a single-game program record with 12 assists. As the quarter progressed, an exchange of scores saw the lead change hands several times. The quarter closed with a late layup by
Abigail Pfander, leveling the score briefly at 14–14. However, Gallaudet managed a last-second layup, ending the quarter with a narrow 16–14 lead over the Nittany Lions.
The Nittany Lions opened the second quarter with a strong defensive presence, securing rebounds and converting them into points in the paint. Miller and
Jalyn Hann each contributed with key layups, while Merritt added a 3-pointer to extend the lead. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Pfander and Roberts assisting on crucial plays. As the quarter progressed, Berks maintained pressure, with Merritt continuing her scoring efficiency, and the defense limiting the Bison to just 10 points. The half closed with Berks leading 36–26, highlighting a substantial effort on both ends of the court.
The third quarter saw a key momentum shift as the Nittany Lions capitalized on turnovers and defensive stops to maintain their edge.
Annie Laubach initiated a scoring drive with a jumper assisted by Roberts, extending their lead early in the period. Miller added to the advantage with a layup, while the team effectively forced turnovers and limited Gallaudet's scoring opportunities. Despite Gallaudet's efforts to close the gap, including a timely 3-pointer by Evangeline Diaz, Berks held firm. They continued to convert free throws in the final moments, with Miller sinking both attempts from the line to secure their position. The quarter concluded with Berks leading 46–42, sustaining their advantage into the final stretch.
In the fourth quarter, Berks opened with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Laubach's 3-pointer assisted by Miller, giving them an early advantage. The team maintained their lead with effective inside scoring, including a layup by Miller, assisted by Hann, and another jumper by Laubach. Gallaudet's attempted to close in, including a successful 3-pointer from Sunita Schmidjorg, and The Bison managed to level the score with 1:26 remaining. The Nittany Lions responded, using a crucial layup by Hann, following her own offensive rebound, to regain a slim lead. In the final moments, Merritt secured the win with a free throw, bringing the score to 58-55. Gallaudet would get one final shot, but the Lions stood tall, securing the 58-55 victory.
Merritt scored a career-high 17 points, including four 3-pointers, and collected eight rebounds. Miller added 18 points and recorded four blocks and four steals. Roberts posted 12 assists and contributed defensively with a steal. Hann finished with 11 rebounds and two blocks.
WHO'S NEXT
The next challenge for the Blue & White is a road game against Penn State York on Friday, Jan. 23. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at York, Pennsylvania.
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