ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team bounced back to defeat Cairn University, 73-40, in a United East Conference contest at Lees Gymnasium on Saturday on Senior Day, with the Falcons forcing 22 turnovers and scoring 24 points from them. Cedar Crest also dominated the boards with a 52-40 rebounding advantage.

Prior to the game, the program honored its lone senior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) in a special pregame ceremony.

The Falcons began the game with a strong defensive presence, notably with junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) blocking an early layup attempt. This set the tone for the frame, with Cedar Crest capitalizing on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to maintain control. The Falcons' offense was highlighted by first-year Gabrielle Moore's (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) three-pointer, which contributed to a 7–0 scoring run midway through the quarter.

As the stanza progressed, the Falcons continued to pressure the Highlanders, forcing multiple turnovers. Sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) capped the quarter with a three-pointer, extending the lead. The opening 10 minutes ended with Cedar Crest leading 18–8, demonstrating effective scoring from both fast breaks and points off turnovers.

The Falcons capitalized on fast breaks and perimeter shooting to extend their lead over the Cairn in the second quarter. The frame began with Bincarosky sparking momentum by hitting two triples, contributing to a 9-2 run that included a successful fast break. Merchant's defensive presence was notable, recording two blocks and several key rebounds, aiding in maintaining the lead. Cedar Crest also converted all six free throw attempts, allowing them to increase their advantage. The stanza concluded with the Falcons leading 38-21, maintaining a strong defensive stance and efficient scoring.

Cedar Crest surged ahead in the third quarter, opening with a defensive stop that led to a steal by Bincarosky, who then hit a three-pointer to extend the lead. This was followed by a swift layup in transition by junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek), capitalizing on another turnover. The Falcons continued to press their advantage as Bincarosky added another triple, assisted by junior Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School), contributing to a 10-0 run.

The hosts maintained momentum with contributions from Perrine and Bincarosky, along with Cedar Crest's defense converting turnovers into points off fast breaks. As the frame progressed, the Falcons' defense held Cairn to limited scoring opportunities, while Merchant made key defensive plays with a block and defensive rebounds.

The Falcons closed the quarter strongly, maintaining their lead with additional points from the free-throw line by Merchant. The stanza ended with the Cedar Crest leading 59–29, having outscored the Highlanders 21–8.

The home team maintained their strong performance in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on their advantage in the paint. First-year Brooke Leonardi (Stewartsville, N.J./Phillipsburg) initiated the scoring with a layup, setting the tone for the Falcons' inside game as they recorded 12 points in the paint. Moore and first-year Hailey Wolbeck (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) contributed critical layups, supported by assists from Rios, who also added a jumper to her tally. The Cedar Crest defense was robust, with Merchant recording two blocks and the team securing 12 rebounds, limiting Cairn's second-chance opportunities.

The Highlanders managed to score 11 points in the quarter, with a notable contribution from fifth-year Kailee Sobrino (Vail, Ariz.), who hit a three-pointer and added a layup. However, the Falcons' defensive efforts, including four steals and capitalizing on Cairn's turnovers, kept the visiting team at bay. Cedar Crest closed the quarter with a solid lead, ending the game with a score of 73–40.

Rios scored 21 points, including converting 10-of 11-free throws, and collected seven rebounds, alongside three steals for the Falcons. Bincarosky added 22 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and hitting six three-pointers, while also recording five steals. Her six triples puts her at 77 made threes on the season, breaking the single-season program record of 76 held by Angela Ensley since 2001. Merchant dominated the defensive end with eight blocks and gathered 12 rebounds. Sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) facilitated the offense with six assists and added three steals.

Sobrino led the team with 17 points, shooting 6-for-20 from the field, including two three-pointers. She also accumulated five steals and three assists. Junior Emily Brittin (Winslow, N.J.) contributed 13 points, connecting on 4-of-10 field goal attempts and making 5-of-6 free throws. She added six rebounds to her performance. Junior Dezaray Bright (Keystone Heights, Fla.) was strong on the boards with 12 rebounds, including 10 on the defensive end, while also providing two assists.

Cedar Crest (13-8 overall, 6-4 United East) welcomes in Trinity Washington University for its next game on Monday, February 2 at 6:00 p.m. Cairn (2-16 overall, 1-9 United East) returns home to host Gallaudet University in a league game on Wednesday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m.