ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team overpowered Cairn University 72-20 in a non-conference tilt at Lees Gymnasium on Monday night.

The Falcons initiated the first quarter with a strong defensive stance, converting turnovers into points. The team capitalized on the Highlanders' miscues early on, with sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) contributing a fast-break layup and a three-pointer, supported by assists from sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) and junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek). Cedar Crest maintained pressure, forcing ten turnovers from the visitors and securing six steals, leading to a 12-point advantage from turnovers.

Offensively, the Falcons found success beyond the arc, with Bincarosky hitting two triples. The home team also dominated in fast-break situations, adding six points in transition. Cairn managed to respond with a three-pointer and a jumper but struggled to counter Cedar Crest's defensive intensity. The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest leading 14–5.

The Falcons capitalized on turnovers early in the second frame to drive a significant scoring run. Bincarosky contributed two crucial three-pointers, the first coming at 6:38, which helped extend Cedar Crest's lead. The home team maintained defensive pressure, forcing the Highlanders into multiple turnovers while securing eight steals.
The Falcons' offense was efficient, scoring 12 points in the paint and converting three of seven three-point attempts. Junior Samora Merchant's (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) jumper in the final seconds capped off a dominant quarter, ending with the Cedar Crest ahead 35-8.

The home team opened the third quarter with a decisive 9–0 run, fueled by Bincarosky's fast-break three-pointer and a series of turnovers forced by the Falcons' defense. Kerdock and Rios each capitalized on fast-break opportunities, contributing to Cedar Crest's offensive surge. The Falcons' defense was relentless, recording nine steals and holding Cairn to one free throw in the quarter.

Cedar Crest dominated the paint, scoring 18 points and effectively shutting down the Highlanders' attempts to break through. The home team extended its lead significantly, closing the quarter with a commanding 56–9 advantage.

The Falcons started the fourth quarter with first-year Brooke Leonardi's (Stewartsville, N.J./Phillipsburg) layup at 9:39, quickly setting the tone. The team maintained momentum with Rios contributing a three-pointer, widening the gap to 61-14. Cedar Crest's defense was pivotal, generating seven steals and leading to significant scoring opportunities.

Rios continued to impact the game with a jumper and junior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) added a jumper in the paint, further extending the Falcons' lead. Despite Cairn's efforts, scoring 11 points in the quarter, Cedar Crest's control in the paint and second-chance points ensured their advantage. The period closed with the Falcons securing a 72-20 victory over the Highlanders.

Bincarosky led the team with 27 points, including seven three-pointers, and recorded six steals. Kerdock contributed 10 points, along with eight rebounds and eight steals, while adding seven assists. Rios scored 15 points and collected three steals. First-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) added to the defensive effort with five steals and four rebounds.

Senior Tatiana Ipri (Mullica Hill, N.J.) contributed defensively with two steals and four rebounds. Junior Emily Brittin (Winslow, N.J.) also made an impact on defense with three steals and four rebounds. Sophomore Lexi Cramer (Greenwood, Del.) supported the scoring effort with six points, adding two steals and three rebounds. Junior Laryssa Robinson (Mount Laurel, N.J.) was effective under the basket, securing seven rebounds, including five offensive. Junior Dezaray Bright (Keystone Heights, Fla.) matched Robinson with seven rebounds, providing additional support in the paint.

Cedar Crest (5-2 overall) starts conference play with its next game at Lancaster Bible College on Wednesday, December 3 at 5:00 p.m. Cairn (1-6 overall) also begins league play on Wednesday at home against Keystone College at 7:00 p.m.