MEDIA, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team defeated Penn State Brandywine, 74-49, with a dominant 26-point fourth quarter. The Falcons capitalized on turnovers, scoring 31 points off the Lions' 28 turnovers.

The Falcons began the first quarter with strong defensive pressure, forcing eight turnovers and converting them into early points. Junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) led the charge with a series of layups, securing a fast 8-0 lead. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Rios and sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) contributing steals and assists to maintain momentum.

Junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) and sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) extended the advantage, combining for key baskets that included a fast-break three-pointer by Bincarosky. The Cedar Crest defense held Penn State Brandywine to just two field goals, while the visitors efficiently moved the ball with three assists on seven made field goals. The Falcons closed the quarter leading 17-7, establishing an early advantage in the game.

Cedar Crest opened the second quarter with a strong defensive effort, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks. First-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) and senior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) spearheaded the scoring with effective drives in the paint. The Falcons' defense was highlighted by five steals and two blocks, limiting the Lions' opportunities inside.

Despite Cedar Crest's early momentum, Penn State Brandywine responded with perimeter shooting, connecting on four three-pointers to keep the score close. The Falcons maintained a lead through contributions from Merchant and junior Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School), who added key points in the paint. The frame concluded with Cedar Crest ahead, holding a 32–25 advantage.

The Falcons began the third stanza by converting a free throw from Kerdock, which was followed by a defensive rebound from Swojak that led to a successful jumper, extending their lead. Merchant made a key layup at 6:04, assisted by Kerdock, maintaining Cedar Crest's momentum. Despite the Lions' attempts to close the gap with a three-pointer and layup, the Falcons responded with a jumper from Kerdock and a layup by Moore.

Cedar Crest's defensive efforts were highlighted by blocks from Merchant, contributing to their ability to maintain a slight edge. As the quarter progressed, the Falcons' free-throw shooting was crucial, with Merchant adding points from the line as well. The frame concluded with Cedar Crest holding a narrow 48-45 lead. .

The Falcons opened the fourth quarter strong with a three-pointer from Bincarosky at 8:55, sparking a momentum shift. The team capitalized on offensive rebounds and turnovers, executing a series of scoring plays to extend their lead. Merchant contributed significantly with rebounds and layups, supported by assists from Kerdock.

Defensively, Cedar Crest limited Penn State Brandywine to four points in the quarter, forcing nine turnovers and allowing only two field goals. Moore added a three-pointer, and Rios converted key free throws to bolster the visitors' advantage. The Falcons closed the quarter with a commanding 74–49 victory, outscoring their opponent 26–4 in the final frame.

Merchant led the team with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks, showcasing a strong presence on both ends of the court. Rios contributed 14 points while also making six free throws and tallying three steals. Kerdock added eight assists and four steals, facilitating key plays. Moore recorded 10 points and collected seven rebounds, adding depth to the team's performance.

Senior Trinell Watson (Pottstown, Pa.) led the team with 14 points, connecting on 5-of-14 field goals and securing six rebounds, including two on the offensive end. Sophomore Jazmyn Kemp (Aberdeen, Md.) contributed significantly with 10 points, making 3-of-5 shots from the field and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line, while also recording two blocks and two steals. Junior Raelyn Loper (West Chester, Pa.) added eight points, converting 3-of-7 field goals and grabbing three rebounds. First-year Rayne Manson (Dayton, Ohio) showcased her defensive skills with two steals in the game.

Cedar Crest (15-8 overall, 7-4 United East) will take on Penn State Harrisburg in its next game at home on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:00 p.m. Penn State Brandywine (5-18 overall, 4-7 United East) will return to action away at Gallaudet University on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.