ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team overwhelmed Penn State Schuylkill, 104-14, with a dominant performance including 27 steals and 49 points off turnovers.
The Falcons opened the first quarter with a strong offensive display, quickly setting the pace with a layup by sophomore
Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) assisted by first-year
Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) at 9:54. The team capitalized on turnovers, converting fast breaks into points and maintaining pressure on the Lions, who struggled to find their rhythm. Sophomore
Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) contributed with key outside shooting, including a three-pointer at 5:42.
Defensively, Cedar Crest forced nine turnovers and recorded two blocks, effectively shutting down Penn State Schuylkill's scoring attempts in the paint. The hosts maintained control throughout the quarter, with Moore adding a layup in the final seconds to secure a lead. The Falcons ended the first quarter leading 24–2, establishing a significant advantage.
Cedar Crest initiated the second quarter with a defensive stand, highlighted by junior
Analyse Rios' (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) early steal and subsequent layup to set the tone. The Falcons continued to capitalize on the Lions' turnovers, converting them into fast-break opportunities and extending their lead with contributions from Bincarosky, who added a crucial three-pointer mid-quarter.
As the quarter progressed, Cedar Crest maintained momentum through effective ball movement, resulting in nine assists, and strong defense, evidenced by seven steals and three blocks. The Falcons closed the quarter by expanding their advantage, finishing on a high note with Moore's buzzer-beating three-pointer. The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest leading 50–8.
The Falcons opened the third quarter with a strong defensive and offensive performance, quickly capitalizing on Penn State Schuylkill turnovers. Bincarosky's early steal and fast-break layup set the tone, followed by her three-pointer assisted by Kerdock, extending the lead. Cedar Crest maintained pressure, forcing multiple turnovers while converting them into points, with junior
Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School) and Moore contributing significantly to the scoring effort.
The Falcons' defense was unyielding, allowing only one field goal by the Lions throughout the quarter. The home team dominated the paint, scoring effectively, and extended their lead with contributions from first-year
Hailey Wolbeck (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) and Rios. Cedar Crest concluded the frame with a commanding lead, outscoring Penn State Schuylkill 26-2, and leading 76-10 at the end of the third quarter.
The Falcons began the fourth quarter with a strong defensive presence, forcing eight turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. First-year
Brooke Leonardi (Stewartsville, N.J./Phillipsburg) initiated scoring with a layup, setting the pace for the quarter. Cedar Crest effectively controlled the paint, contributing 14 points from inside.
As the quarter progressed, the Falcons maintained momentum with contributions from the bench, adding 11 points. Bincarosky highlighted the offensive effort with a pair of three-pointers, while Swojak added points from fast-breaks. The defensive efforts were highlighted by multiple steals, shutting down the Lions' scoring attempts.
Cedar Crest concluded the game with a 28-4 run in the fourth quarter, extending their lead decisively. The home team secured a commanding victory, finishing with a 104-14 advantage.
Bincarosky led the Falcons with a career-high 36 points, connecting on 14-of-22 shots, including eight triples. Swojak added 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds, shooting 8-for-10 from the field. Moore contributed 14 points and recorded five steals, knocking down six-of-eight attempts. Kerdock finished with 12 points and dished out 11 assists, while also securing three steals.
Junior Tayla Jones (Pottsville, Pa.) led the team in steals with two and added two points, maintaining a strong defensive presence. First-year Madison Cooper (Mount Vernon, N.Y.) contributed significantly on the boards, securing seven rebounds, including one offensive rebound. Junior Megan Hauser (Lehighton, Pa.) added three points and dished out two assists while collecting four rebounds.
Cedar Crest (12-6 overall) will resume conference play on Saturday, January 24 at Penn State Abington in a 2:00 p.m. start. Penn State Schuylkill (4-11 overall) next hosts Penn State Mont Alto on Saturday at noon.
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