ABINGTON, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball fell to Penn State Abington, 62-59, in a tightly contested conference matchup. The Falcons maintained a narrow lead through three quarters, but the Nittany Lions' 22-point third quarter proved decisive.

Cedar Crest opened the first quarter with strategic defensive stops and forced turnovers, highlighted by five steals, including key plays from junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) and first year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley). The Falcons capitalized on these opportunities with sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) hitting a three-pointer at 7:36, which initiated a lead change. Despite turnovers, Cedar Crest maintained momentum with effective play inside the paint, where Merchant added a layup and completed a three-point play to keep the pace. The quarter closed with the Falcons taking a slight edge over Penn State Abington, leading 13-10.

Cedar Crest started the second quarter by overcoming an early deficit with a layup from Merchant, assisted by junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek), regaining the lead. The team maintained their momentum with defensive rebounds, notably by Moore, and a subsequent layup by junior Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School), extending the advantage. Midway through the quarter, the Falcons' defense limited the Nittany Lions' opportunities, as Bincarosky's triple, assisted by Merchant, further bolstered the lead. Despite a brief scoring run by Penn State Abington, Cedar Crest responded with a three-pointer from Moore. In the final minute, the Falcons secured their advantage with two successful free throws by Bincarosky. Cedar Crest concluded the quarter ahead, leading 27-23 at the half.

Cedar Crest began the third quarter with a three-pointer from Moore, assisted by Rios, setting the early tone. Rios continued to impact the game with a layup, extending the Falcons' lead to 32–25. However, the Nittany Lions responded with a series of layups, narrowing the gap and eventually taking the lead. Cedar Crest briefly regained momentum with free throws from Rios and a layup by Merchant, keeping the score tight. Despite the Falcons' efforts, including defensive rebounds and a critical steal by sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck), Penn State Abington closed the frame strongly and led 45-40. 

Cedar Crest started the fourth quarter with a strong push, as Kerdock's early layup cut the deficit to three. The team maintained their intensity, with Bincarosky hitting a crucial three-pointer at 8:28, narrowing the gap to four points. The Falcons continued to press, tying the game at 53 with just over four minutes remaining after Rios sank two free throws. Despite the efforts, the Nittany Lions responded with timely baskets, including a fast-break layup that pushed their lead to four with just over three minutes left. Cedar Crest fought back, with Merchant's assist to Swojak bringing them within two. However, a late turnover allowed Penn State Abington to extend their lead, and the game closed with the Falcons narrowly trailing, 62-59.

Merchant recorded 13 points and collected 14 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. Bincarosky contributed 15 points, including three three-pointers, while adding five rebounds. Rios scored 12 points and provided four assists, alongside securing two steals. Kerdock added five points and tallied four steals in her performance. 

Junior Amina Reid (Philadelphia, Pa.) led the team with 14 points, connecting on six field goals. Reid also contributed five assists and three steals, despite committing eight turnovers. Senior Nia Newman (Rockville, Md.) added 11 points, shooting 5-for-12 from the field, and recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds, including four on the offensive end. Junior Amirah Hackney (Philadelphia, Pa.) scored 10 points while grabbing nine rebounds and adding two steals. Hackney also posted three assists and one block.

Cedar Crest (12-7 overall, 5-3 United East) will next play at home against Penn College on Tuesday, January 27 at 6:00 p.m. Penn State Abington (12-6 overall, 5-2 United East) will be on the road to play Lancaster Bible College on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.