ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team defeated United East Conference opponent Penn State Harrisburg, 81-48, on Tuesday night inside Lees Gymnasium, securing the win with a dominant 42 points in the paint. The Falcons maintained control throughout the game, leading from start to finish.

Cedar Crest opened the game with a strong presence, establishing an early advantage through effective offensive execution. Junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) initiated the scoring with a layup, and classmate Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School) followed with a fast-break layup, quickly putting the Falcons ahead. The team maintained momentum with a combination of defensive stops and efficient field goal shooting, making 12-of-20 attempts.

Junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) contributed significantly in the paint, adding multiple layups and securing key rebounds. Cedar Crest outscored the Lions in points in the paint, 18–2, and converted turnovers into six points. By the end of the first quarter, the Falcons led 26–13, setting a solid foundation for the remainder of the game.

Cedar Crest capitalized on strong defense and teamwork to maintain their lead in the second stanza. The Falcons made a pivotal move with a three-pointer by sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) at 8:33, assisted by Swojak. This was followed by a series of successful plays including a layup by Swojak and another triple by sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck), extending their advantage further.

The Cedar Crest defense was marked by blocks from Merchant and Swojak, limiting the Penn State Harrisburg scoring opportunities. The frame closed with the Falcons ahead, outscoring their opponents 14-10 in the period, bringing the overall score to 40-23 in favor of the home team at the intermission.

Cedar Crest opened the third quarter with a strong defensive effort, forcing turnovers and securing rebounds. Swojak contributed with a layup, assisted by Bincarosky, to maintain momentum. The Falcons extended their lead with a fast-break layup by Rios, highlighting their efficient transition play.

The team continued to capitalize on offensive opportunities, with Bincarosky hitting two three-pointers, one of which was assisted by first-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley). The Cedar Crest defense limited the Lions' scoring, allowing only three field goals in the quarter and maintaining control on the boards with 13 total rebounds. The period closed with the Falcons ahead 58–35.

Cedar Crest started the fourth frame with a strong defensive stance, highlighted by Swojak's defensive rebound at 9:41, which set the stage for Rios to score a layup, pushing the lead to 60-35. The Falcons maintained momentum with Bincarosky hitting a pivotal three-pointer, extending their advantage further.
 
Throughout the quarter, Cedar Crest capitalized on turnovers, with Kerdock's steal leading to a fastbreak three-pointer by Rios. The Falcons showcased efficient shooting, converting eight field goals including three from beyond the arc, while also maintaining defensive pressure with two blocks and four steals.

Cedar Crest closed the quarter by extending their lead with Merchant's layup at 3:41, and first-year Hailey Wolbeck's (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) successful free throws at 0:21, securing an 81-48 victory.

For the Falcons, Rios finished with 18 points, five assists, and six rebounds. Merchant recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while also adding four blocks. With her four blocks, Merchant broke the single season program record for blocks and now sits at 64 on the season. Swojak matched Rios with 18 points and led the team with 14 rebounds, including two blocks. Bincarosky was the top scorer, contributing 24 points and making six three-pointers.

Sophomore Mikayla Coleman (Manchester, Pa.) led Penn State Harrisburg with 12 points and contributed two steals. Sophomore Lauren Moffatt (Mountville, Pa.) excelled at the free-throw line, converting 13-of-14 attempts and finishing with 15 points. Senior Nicole Hernandez (Slate Hill, N.Y.) added 10 points, making 4-of-8 field goals, including two three-pointers. Junior Azaria Bryant Franklin (Euclid, Ohio) was effective on the boards, collecting seven rebounds, with six coming on the offensive glass.

Cedar Crest (16-8 overall, 8-4 United East) will conclude the regular season on Saturday, February 14 at home against Notre Dame of Maryland University at 1:00 p.m. Penn State Harrisburg (8-16 overall, 7-5 United East) rounds out regular season play on Saturday, hosting Lancaster Bible College at 3:00 p.m.