LA PLUME, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball defeated Keystone College, 71-57, at Ace Spalding Arena, aided by a 41-33 rebounding advantage and 21 points off turnovers.

The Falcons initiated the first quarter with a strong opening, converting inside opportunities effectively. Junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) and junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) each scored early layups, contributing to the Cedar Crest advantage in the paint. Defensive efforts were highlighted by sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic), who recorded a steal leading to a fast-break layup, pushing the Falcons ahead. 

Despite the Giants' efforts to keep pace with several scoring drives, including bench contributions, Cedar Crest maintained their lead through balanced scoring and pressure defense, forcing multiple turnovers. The team capped the quarter with a layup by sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck), closing the first with a 16–14 lead.

The Falcons opened the second quarter by responding swiftly to early scoring from Keystone, with junior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) contributing a layup and a jumper to keep the score tight at 20-18. Cedar Crest then briefly fell behind but quickly regained momentum with first-year Gabrielle Moore's (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) layup, followed by a free throw to narrow the Giants' lead to 26-23.

The momentum shifted significantly when the Falcons executed a series of successful plays, including a critical steal and fast-break layup by Rios, giving Cedar Crest a 34-30 advantage. The Falcons extended their lead with strong defensive plays and timely baskets, including a tip-in by Moore and a jumper by Rios. The quarter closed with Cedar Crest leading 38-31, marking a decisive shift in control.

The Falcons capitalized on defensive pressure, forcing eight turnovers and converting them into points during the third quarter. Junior Weronika Swojak's (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School) defensive efforts, including a block early in the quarter, halted Keystone's advances in the paint. Cedar Crest maintained control with key free throws by Bincarosky and Rios, extending their lead. Merchant contributed significantly with a series of successful plays, including a late layup and free throws, to secure the momentum.

Despite the Giants' push with fast-break opportunities and a three-pointer from first-year Tayana Bibbins (Lincoln, Del.), the Falcons' consistent scoring and defensive stops ensured they closed the period leading 51–42.

Cedar Crest capitalized on efficient scoring in the paint during the fourth quarter, converting 10 field goals, all from two-point range. The visitors took control early with a layup by Merchant at 7:52, assisted by Bincarosky, extending their lead to 53-42. The Falcons maintained momentum through solid ball movement, evidenced by nine assists, including a key assist from Moore to Swojak for a layup at 5:27, pushing the score to 55-46.

Defensively, Cedar Crest limited Keystone's opportunities, allowing only six field goals while forcing three turnovers. The team's efforts included a crucial steal by Kerdock at 6:45, disrupting the Giants' attempt to close the gap. The Falcons continued to build their advantage with Merchant's layup at 0:18, sealing the quarter with a 71-57 lead. The Falcons finished the period with a 20-15 scoring edge, securing a decisive victory.

Rios scored 26 points and recorded 10 rebounds in a strong performance. Merchant added 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting and blocked four shots. Bincarosky contributed with 11 points and five steals while also dishing out five assists. Moore tallied three steals and finished with five points.

Bibbins led Keystone with 11 points, four steals, and four assists, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. First-year Krista Cortazar (Throop, Pa.) was the top scorer for the Giants, adding 17 points, including three three-pointers, and two steals. First-year Jayda Price (York, Pa.) contributed with nine points and matched Bibbins with four assists, while also securing two steals. Junior Daphney Cadichon (Long Island, N.Y.) added another pair of steals, rounding out a strong defensive performance.

Cedar Crest's (10-6 overall, 4-2 United East Conference) next game will take place at home against Penn State Berks on Saturday, January 17 at 1:00 p.m. Keystone (3-14 overall, 2-4 United East Conference) will be hosting Gallaudet University for its next contest on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.