CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team secured a convincing 87-63 victory over Wilson College in United East Conference play on Wednesday night at Gannett Field House.

The Falcons initiated the game with a strong offensive presence, highlighted by sophomore Ella Bincarosky's (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) early back-to-back three-pointers. Junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) contributed significantly with assists and a steal that facilitated an 8-0 opening run. The Phoenix struggled to respond initially, allowing Cedar Crest to build an 11-1 lead.

Despite Wilson's attempts to cut into the deficit, including a three-pointer from junior Mackenzie Caldwell-Degnon (Rockville, Md.), the Falcons maintained control through defensive stops, including two blocks by junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical). Junior Megan Perrine's (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) layup extended the lead to 19-7.

In the latter part of the quarter, the Phoenix managed to close the gap slightly with a fast-break layup by sophomore Chloe Irving (Martinsburg, W. Va.). However, Cedar Crest concluded the quarter with a 23-17 lead, maintaining their advantage through consistent scoring and defensive efforts.

The Falcons capitalized on defensive pressure and efficient scoring to open the second quarter, immediately building momentum with a 9–0 run. Junior Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School) and Merchant contributed key baskets early on, extending the lead. The Cedar Crest defense forced multiple turnovers, resulting in fast-break opportunities, including a layup by Bincarosky that increased the advantage.

Throughout the frame, the Falcons maintained control by outscoring Wilson 23–11, emphasizing strong rebounding and capitalizing on second-chance points. The team continued to pressure the Phoenix into mistakes, with first-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) assisting on a late three-pointer by classmate Hailey Wolbeck (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy). The quarter ended with Cedar Crest leading 46–28, securing a strong position at halftime.

The Falcons capitalized on their defensive efforts in the third quarter, opening with impactful plays including Bincarosky's steal and sophomore Ginger Kerdock's (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) layup, extending the lead early. Cedar Crest's precision from beyond the arc was evident with Moore and Rios each converting critical triple. The Falcons' defense held strong with three blocks and three steals, creating numerous turnover opportunities. Cedar Crest closed the quarter on a high note, leading the Phoenix 73-45.

The road team initiated the fourth quarter with a strong start as Moore sank a three-pointer just three seconds in. The Falcons capitalized on defensive plays, with Perrine securing a steal and a block early in the quarter, maintaining pressure on Wilson. The Cedar Crest defense was pivotal, forcing several turnovers and generating fast-break opportunities. Throughout the quarter, Merchant contributed significantly with back-to-back layups, extending the Falcons' lead. The team displayed effective ball movement, evidenced by Rios' assist on Merchant's layup at 6:52. The quarter concluded with Wilson outscoring Cedar Crest 18-14.

The Falcons' strong defensive efforts and timely scoring runs secured their advantage, ending with a final score of 87–63.

Bincarosky led Cedar Crest with 26 points, converting five five-pointers and making 9-of-11 free throws. Merchant added 15 points and recorded 13 rebounds, including four on the offensive end, while also blocking three shots. Moore scored 10 points and contributed two steals along with three assists. Kerdock recorded six assists and two steals, adding eight points to the team's tally.

Senior Chelcie Forrester (Shippensburg, Pa.) paced the Phoenix with 18 points, converting 7-of-10 field goals and collecting 11 rebounds. Sophomore Leah Laubach (Marietta, Pa.) added nine points and showcased defensive skill with four steals. Senior Jewels Torres (York, Pa.) contributed seven assists, highlighting her playmaking ability. Irving recorded 10 rebounds and 11 points, providing a strong presence on both ends of the court.

Cedar Crest (8-6 overall, 2-2 United East) will next host the University of Valley Forge on Saturday, January 10 at 1:00 p.m. Wilson (7-6 overall, 2-1 United East) faces Penn College in a road game on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.