ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball defeated Yeshiva University, 51-30, at on Saturday at Lees Gymnasium. 

The Falcons began the first quarter by establishing control in the paint, scoring eight points from close range. Despite early turnovers, Cedar Crest capitalized on the Maccabees' mistakes, securing crucial defensive rebounds and converting them into points. First-year Gabrielle Moore's (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) free throw at 7:24 put the Falcons ahead, and sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) extended the lead with a three-pointer at 3:37.

The team continued to build momentum, as first-year Hailey Wolbeck (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) and junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) each added layups late in the quarter, stretching the advantage. Cedar Crest closed the quarter strong, leading 14–9, after a late jumper from junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical).

The Falcons capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring eight points in the paint during the second quarter. Merchant's layup at 4:36 extended the Cedar Crest lead, following a defensive rebound and assist by Moore. Despite Yeshiva's efforts, including a jumper from sophomore Eliana Leitner (Woodmere, N.Y.), the home team maintained control. The quarter closed with the Falcons ahead, 24–15, after a free throw by Rios and a timely steal by Wolbeck.

Cedar Crest started the third quarter with a strong defensive stance, highlighted by Merchant's two blocks, which helped limit the Maccabees' scoring opportunities. The Falcons capitalized on turnovers, scoring nine points off fast breaks and recording four steals in the quarter. Rios played a pivotal role, contributing with both scoring and assists, including a key layup that extended the lead.

Cedar Crest dominated the paint, scoring 16 points inside, while holding Yeshiva to just two points in that area. The Falcons' effective rebounding, led by Rios and Moore, provided multiple second-chance opportunities. The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest extending their advantage, leading 43–23 as the game headed into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Falcons maintained their advantage by executing strong defensive plays and efficiently converting opportunities in the paint. Junior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) opened the scoring with a layup at 6:54, assisted by Wolbeck, to extend the home team's lead. Cedar Crest's defensive efforts were highlighted by Merchant's block at 4:34, preventing the Maccabees from narrowing the gap further.

Despite several turnovers, the Falcons controlled the pace, with first-year Brooke Leonardi (Stewartsville, N.J./Phillipsburg) contributing a critical steal at 2:50, leading to another layup by Merchant. The home team closed the quarter effectively, with Wolbeck adding another layup at 0:36, ensuring Cedar Crest ended the game ahead. The final quarter concluded with the Falcons outscoring Yeshiva 8-7, securing the victory.

Merchant led Cedar Crest with 14 points and added four blocks, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. Wolbeck recorded nine rebounds and collected three steals, showcasing her defensive capabilities. Rios scored 10 points and added six rebounds while also recording two steals. Moore contributed seven rebounds and tallied two steals.

Sophomore Ilana Schwartz (Chicago, Ill.) guided Yeshiva with 14 points, shooting 6-for-20 from the field, while also tallying three steals and six rebounds. Senior Tali Cohen (Surfside, Fla.) contributed significantly with six assists and four rebounds, though she faced shooting difficulties with 1-for-13 from the field. Junior Fortune Hanan (Brooklyn, N.Y.) controlled the boards, securing eight rebounds along with nine points, and committed no turnovers, providing a steady presence in the center position.

Cedar Crest (7-6 overall) will travel to Wilson College for its next game on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m. for a conference tilt. Yeshiva (1-10 overall) resumes conference play with its next game hosting Farmingdale State College to action on Tuesday, January 6 at 8:00 p.m.