ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team bested Keystone College (0-, 78-49, on Monday night at Lees Gymnasium. The win marked Head Basketball Coach Jason Rhine's 150^th career victory.

The Falcons began the first quarter with a strong start, scoring quickly with a layup from junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek). The team capitalized on turnovers and maintained pressure, resulting in an 8–0 lead through contributions from sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic), who drained back-to-back three-pointers with assists from junior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) and Rios. The Cedar Crest defense forced five turnovers and limited the Giants' fast break opportunities.

As the quarter progressed, the Falcons extended their lead with effective fast-break plays, including a layup by first-year Hailey Wolbeck (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) to push the margin to 14–2. They continued to capitalize on defensive stops, allowing only four baskets from the visitors. The quarter closed with the home team leading 25–8, showcasing a balanced attack and maintaining a strong defensive presence.

Cedar Crest shifted momentum early in the second quarter with a quick layup by junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical), followed by a key steal from Bincarosky. First-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) capitalized with back-to-back three-pointers, pushing the lead to 33–12. This scoring burst led to a timeout by Keystone as they sought to regroup.

The Falcons continued to apply pressure, forcing turnovers and seizing defensive opportunities. Rios extended the lead with two free throws at 4:21 and a fast break layup, making it 40–19. The home team's defense remained strong, with players collecting multiple offensive rebounds, thereby maintaining possession and control.

Closing the stanza, Cedar Crest's persistent defense and efficient ball movement were evident as they ended with a triple from Rios and another successful jumper from her, setting the score at 50–21. The Giants struggled to keep pace, managing only 13 points in the quarter, as the Falcons extended their lead significantly by the end of the second quarter.

The Falcons began the third quarter with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by Wolbeck's opening layup at 9:13, assisted by Rios. Cedar Crest maintained momentum through crucial defensive rebounds by Perrine, who also added a block during the Keystone offensive attempts.

Midway through the quarter, the Falcons continued to capitalize on fast-break opportunities, with sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) and Merchant each scoring layups. Rios, showcasing her playmaking ability, added another assist to Merchant's basket at 4:05, extending Cedar Crest's lead.

Despite the Giants' efforts to close the gap with two three-pointers, the Falcons finished the quarter holding a lead, with a score of 63–35.

Cedar Crest initiated the fourth quarter with a solid defensive stance, highlighted by two blocks and two steals. Moore and Bincarosky contributed significantly on offense, each scoring from the paint, with Bincarosky adding a three-pointer to the tally. Despite turnovers, the Falcons maintained control with efficient ball movement, leading to four assists in the quarter.

With Cedar Crest's defense limiting the Keystone chances, the team managed to sustain their advantage. The Falcons' bench added six points, and the team matched the Giants in points in the paint, each scoring eight. The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest outscoring Keystone 15-14, ensuring a comfortable finish with a score of 76-49 at the final buzzer.

Bincarosky scored 24 points, including six triples, and recorded five steals. Rios finished with 19 points and added five assists while collecting two steals. Merchant posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, including two blocks. Kerdock contributed defensively with three steals and added four assists.

Junior Hailee Hackett (Carmichael, Calif.) led the team with 11 points, connecting on 5-of-13 field goals and contributing six rebounds. First-year Krista Cortazar (Throop, Pa.) added 12 points, making 5-of-13 shots from the field and sinking two three-pointers, while also stealing the ball three times and securing seven rebounds. First-year Phaneirra Barnett (Baltimore, Md.) was strong on the boards, collecting nine rebounds, including five on the offensive end, and scored six points. First-year Tayana Bibbins (Lincoln, Del.) contributed defensively with two steals and added two points.

Cedar Crest (4-2 overall) will stay home to host Cairn University on Monday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m. Keystone (0-7 overall) returns to action on Sunday, November 30 for a home game against King's College (Pa.) at 2:00 p.m.