Boxscore
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.—Despite being down only two at halftime, the Slippery Rock University women's basketball team dropped a 77-63 contest against California (Pa.) on Wednesday night. The Rock is currently 6-20 overall and 3-10 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-Western Division.
California (20-6 overall 10-3 PSAC-W) started the game on a 12-2 run, including four points by Amy Johns. The Vulcans led by as many as 15 points with 2:53 left in the first half after Brooque Williams hit two of her 16 points in the first half.
The Rock finished the first half on a 10-0 run, including a buzzer beating three-pointer by Chere' Marshall off of a
Nikki Presto steal of the inbound pass. SRU was down 36-34 at the half in which the visitors did not trail.
In the second half, SRU kept its momentum moving with five straight points to start the half and giving The Rock their first lead at 39-36.
As each team fought back and forth, the Vulcans pull out to a nine point lead off of a Kayla Smith rebound and put back, with the score 53-44.
Tynesha Lee cut the lead to four with two made foul shots to make the score 67-63 with 2:45 left in the game, when Crystal Andrews nailed a three-pointer almost a minute later to secure the California win.
The Rock had two players in double-figures with
Julie Molloy dropping 18 points and Marshall adding 11. Marshall and
Amanda Mikatavage both recorded five rebounds and
Nikki Presto recorded a season-high eight assists.
The Rock shot 38.1% (24-63) from the floor and 33% (7-21) from behind the arch. The rock recorded three more steals (9-6) than the visitors.
California had three players in double figures, led by Williams with 27. Smith recorded her 21st double-double of the season with 21 points and 13 rebounds, also adding six assists. Amy Johns added 18 points and a block.
The Vulcans shot 47% (31-66) from the floor and 15% (2-13) from behind the arch. They out rebounded the home team 50-29 and recorded three more blocks (5-2)
The Rock will finish their 2009-10 campaign on Saturday when they travel to Indiana (Pa.) for a PSAC-West double header. That game will begin at 5:30 pm. Earlier this season the Crimson Hawks took a 65-51 win away from Morrow Field House.
