ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team decisively defeated the University of Valley Forge, 89-38, in United East Conference play at Lees Gymnasium behind a commanding 43 points off turnovers. The Falcons also dominated in the paint, scoring 54 points to the Patriots' 20.

Cedar Crest opened the game with a strong defensive presence, forcing 12 turnovers and converting them into multiple scoring opportunities. The team capitalized on these chances with a series of assists, as sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) contributed significantly with a three-pointer and several key plays. The Falcons' defense limited Valley Forge's scoring in the paint and on fast breaks, allowing only 11 points in the quarter.

Offensively, Cedar Crest displayed efficient ball movement, recording nine assists on their 12 made baskets. The team dominated inside with 16 points in the paint, contributing to their 28-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. With a balanced offensive effort and a solid defensive performance, the Falcons concluded the frame firmly ahead.

The Falcons began the second quarter by capitalizing on defensive pressure, creating turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. Junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) and Bincarosky each converted layups off steals to push the lead, with Bincarosky adding a three-pointer later in the quarter. The Cedar Crest defense forced seven turnovers, maintaining momentum and controlling the pace.

Valley Forge responded with points in the paint but struggled to minimize the Falcons' advantage. Cedar Crest maintained their lead through effective rebounding, securing nine offensive boards. The quarter concluded with the Falcons leading 44–23, extending their margin by four points over the quarter.

Cedar Crest opened the third quarter with a strong offensive showing, immediately capitalizing on an early turnover by the Patriots. Junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) initiated the scoring with a jumper, followed by a fast-break layup, setting the tone for the quarter. The home team dominated defensively, forcing multiple turnovers and converting them into points, extending their lead significantly.

Bincarosky played a key role, contributing two three-pointers and several steals, which helped maintain the momentum. The Falcons outscored Valley Forge significantly in points off turnovers, 16-0, and controlled the paint with a 14-4 advantage. The stanza closed with Cedar Crest leading 73–30, bolstered by efficient shooting and strong defensive efforts.

Cedar Crest started the fourth quarter with a strong inside presence, scoring 14 points in the paint and securing the momentum early. Junior Megan Perrine's (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) jumper just 10 seconds into the quarter set the tone, with the Falcons controlling the boards with 13 rebounds, including nine defensive. Merchant added crucial points with multiple layups, demonstrating effective ball movement highlighted by seven assists from the team.

Defensively, Cedar Crest limited Valley Forge to eight points, allowing only three successful field goals and maintaining pressure with a block and a steal. The Falcons' defensive stops, combined with a consistent offensive effort, sealed the quarter with a 16–8 advantage, closing the game in a decisive 89–38 victory.

Bincarosky led the team with 22 points, including six three-pointers, and added five steals. Merchant scored 18 points and collected five offensive rebounds. Rios contributed 13 points and recorded four steals while also assisting on four baskets. Sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) posted five steals and five assists, complementing her six points.

Junior Lucy Mauerman (Blountsville, Tenn.) led Valley Forge with 16 points, sinking 7-of-23 field goal attempts, including two from beyond the arc. Senior Telia Robinson (Triangle, Va.) contributed with eight points and added two steals, while first-year Ruth Tilton (Boiling Springs, Pa.) recorded four assists and grabbed six rebounds, splitting them evenly between offensive and defensive boards.

Cedar Crest's (9-6 overall, 3-2 United East) next game will take place on the road at Keystone College on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:00 p.m. The University of Valley Forge (0-11 overall, 0-5 United East) will host Penn State Brandywine on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.