ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team defeated Gallaudet University, 63-49, in a United East Conference contest at Lees Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons opened the first quarter with a strong defensive presence, forcing the Bison into six turnovers, which led to early scoring opportunities. Junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) contributed with a key steal leading to an assist, while sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) capitalized on fast breaks with two successful three-pointers. Despite these efforts, Gallaudet managed to keep pace, finding success in the paint and on second-chance opportunities.

As the quarter progressed, the Cedar Crest defense continued to be effective, with junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) and first-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) each securing defensive rebounds and steals. Junior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) added a critical layup to narrow the gap, maintaining offensive pressure. The Falcons finished the quarter trailing by a slim margin, 14-13, setting up a competitive continuation into the next stanza.

Cedar Crest started the second frame with momentum, as Bincarosky hit a triple early to regain the lead. The Falcons maintained pressure with a fast break layup from Rios, extending their advantage to six points at one stage. Despite their efforts, Cedar Crest saw their lead diminish as turnovers and fouls allowed the Bison to capitalize at the free throw line, ultimately overtaking the Falcons in the closing moments.

The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest trailing Gallaudet 28–26, as a late free throw by sophomore Sophia Wascher (Nobelsville, Ind.) secured the visitor's slight lead.
The Falcons began the third quarter with a momentum shift, capitalizing on a technical foul by the Bison to take an early lead. Bincarosky's free throw and subsequent field goal propelled Cedar Crest ahead. The team maintained pressure with Merchant scoring consistently in the paint, supported by Rios' assists.

The Falcons defense forced eight turnovers from the Bison, limiting their scoring opportunities while extending their advantage. Bincarosky's triple at 1:09 strengthened the lead, and Cedar Crest concluded the quarter strong with a pair of free throws from Rios. The Falcons led 46–39 at the end of the third quarter.

Cedar Crest began the fourth quarter with a strong offensive showing, responding to an early three-pointer from Gallaudet by first-year Brooke Leonardi's (Stewartsville, N.J./Phillipsburg) jumper, assisted by Merchant, to maintain their lead. The Falcons then capitalized on defensive rebounds and transitioned quickly, with Rios and Merchant combining for fast-break layups that extended the lead to 54–42.
 
Midway through the quarter, Cedar Crest continued to dominate, with Merchant converting two free throws to push the score to 56–43. The Falcons' defense held the Bison to minimal scoring, allowing just three field goals. Merchant added another layup with assistance from Rios, maintaining a strong lead. Cedar Crest finished the quarter by keeping the advantage, finishing with a 17–10 quarter score, leading to a final score of 63–49.

Merchant scored 20 points and recorded 11 rebounds, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. Bincarosky led the scoring with 24 points, including six three-pointers, and added three steals. Rios posted a double-double with 12 assists and 11 rebounds, while also scoring 12 points. First-year Hailey Wolbeck (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) added defensive strength with two steals and five rebounds.

Sophomore Mackenzie Schirg (Factoryville, Pa.) led the way for Gallaudet with a game-high 18 points, including three three-pointers, and added 13 rebounds and three steals. Wascher contributed 12 points while leading the team with six free throws made. First-year Kayla Debrow (Jacksonville, Fla.) recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, bolstering the team's effort on the boards. Senior Sunita Schmidjorg (Austin, Texas) distributed five assists, highlighting her playmaking ability. Junior Seanna Baird (Indianapolis, Ind.) added two steals and three assists.

Cedar Crest (6-6 overall, 1-2 United East) will have a quick turnaround as the Falcons host Yeshiva University on Sunday, January 4 at 5:00 p.m. Gallaudet (1-9 overall, 0-2 United East) returns to action on Wednesday, January 7 at home against Notre Dame of Maryland University at 7:00 p.m.