Box Score
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Despite a double-double from junior forward
Lauren Beckley, the Shippensburg women's basketball team fell behind by double digits in the second half and struggled from the field down the stretch, dropping a 70-61 decision to Slippery Rock on Sunday afternoon in a PSAC crossover at Heiges Field House.
Shippensburg (6-5) lost its fourth straight game by struggling with its transition defense in the second half. The Lady Raiders trailed by just two points at halftime and had some momentum after a vicious blocked shot at the first-half buzzer from freshman
Beth Hart but could not take the lead during the second half.
Slippery Rock (5-6) led by two points with 14:30 to play and responded with a 10-3 run to lead by nine points, 48-39, with 10:53 to play. Haley Gaidosh scored six points on the run with successful jumpers from the paint, while Shippensburg was just 1-of-5 from the field over the four-minute stretch.
The Rock continued to press and stretched their lead to 12 points at the 8:15 mark with two free throws from Grace Palucis. Shippensburg never got closer than nine points down the stretch, as Slippery Rock sealed the victory by making 11-of-14 from the free-throw line in the final two minutes.
Beckley finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season, while sophomore forward
Kasey Gardner totaled 16 points and five rebounds. Junior guard
Michelle Metz dished out seven assists and had four steals but committed five turnovers.
Hart had some inspired play off the bench for Shippensburg with eight points, six rebounds, two blocks and one assists in 14 minutes without committing a turnover. Freshman
Erin Varley contributed three points, four assists and two rebounds without a turnover in 11 minutes.
Amanda Nero and Nikki Presto combined for 19 points and 10 assists while committing just four turnovers for The Rock. For the game, Slippery Rock committed just 12 turnovers and converted four of its seven 3-point attempts.
Shippensburg will have a hard week of practice before a difficult weekend road trip with the second PSAC Crossover. On Saturday, the Raiders will travel to take on No. 8 Indiana (Pa.) at 1 p.m. before taking on No. 5 California (Pa.) on Sunday at 1 p.m.
