LA PLUME, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team fell to Clarkson University, 67-49, on Friday night at the Keystone College Tip-Off Tournament at Ace Spalding Arena.

The Falcons began the first quarter facing an early challenge as the Golden Knights opened with a 7–0 run, including a three-pointer by junior Emma Chambers (Coudersport, Pa.) at 8:12. Cedar Crest responded by tightening their defense, forcing seven turnovers, and sparking a comeback. Juniors Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) and Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) contributed key assists and points, narrowing the gap to 14–10 with just over two minutes remaining.

Despite a late three-pointer by senior Bella Doyle (Heuvelton, N.Y.) for Clarkson, the Falcons maintained pressure, closing the quarter with significant momentum. Cedar Crest trailed Clarkson 17–12 at the end of the first quarter.

The Falcons began the second quarter struggling to find rhythm offensively, missing several early opportunities. First-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) managed to break through the defensive line with a layup at 4:44, injecting momentum into the home side. On defense, Cedar Crest capitalized on turnovers by the Golden Knights, with steals by sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) and Moore helping to keep the score tight. The frame concluded with the Falcons trailing closely behind, with a score of 25-19 in favor of Clarkson.

Cedar Crest began the third quarter with a promising start as Merchant converted a jumper and a free throw to narrow the gap. However, Clarkson took control with strong defensive efforts and a series of successful shooting drives, including a three-pointer by Chambers at 6:43, extending their lead.

Despite the Falcons' attempts to counter, including several offensive rebounds by Merchant, the Golden Knights maintained their momentum with effective fast breaks and points in the paint. Cedar Crest struggled to find the net, going 2-for-15 from the field, allowing Clarkson to capitalize and build their lead. As the stanza concluded, the Falcons trailed 43–25.

Cedar Crest initiated the fourth quarter with defensive intensity, forcing an early turnover from the Golden Knights. Despite trailing, the Falcons found momentum with first-year Brooke Leonardi's (Stewartsville, N.J./Phillipsburg) three-pointer at 8:03, assisted by Kerdock, which interrupted a scoring run by Clarkson. The team managed to capitalize on several turnovers, with Rios contributing significantly to the offense, including a fast-break layup and subsequent free throw at 5:54, narrowing the gap.

Cedar Crest continued to press, with first-year Hailey Wolbeck (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) adding a crucial layup at 6:59 and Rios maintaining the scoring pressure. Despite the offensive efforts, the Golden Knights matched the pace, keeping the margin steady. The Falcons concluded the quarter with a balanced performance, matching the Golden Knights' 24 points in the quarter. The game ended with a final score of 67-49.

Rios scored 21 points and added four assists, leading the offensive effort for Cedar Crest. Merchant posted a strong performance on the boards, collecting 14 rebounds. Sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) was active defensively, recording seven steals and contributing eight rebounds. Kerdock also made a significant defensive impact, tallying four steals and grabbing five rebounds.

Chambers led Clarkson with 15 points, converting 5-of-8 field goals, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, and added three steals. Doyle contributed significantly with 13 points and eight rebounds, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and dishing out four assists. Junior Fallon Griffin (Angola, N.Y.) was dominant on the boards, collecting 12 rebounds while also scoring seven points and providing four assists.

Cedar Crest (3-1 overall) looks to rebound tomorrow, Saturday, November 15 against SUNY Poly at 1:00 p.m. Clarkson (1-1 overall) returns to the hardwood on Saturday against Keystone College at 3:00 p.m.