Basketball
Women's Basketball: IUP Beats Shepherd 71-68 with Late Surge
2024-12-07
The IUP women's basketball team showcased their skills in a thrilling game against Shepherd. With a late surge, they managed to secure a 71-68 win and boost their overall record to 6-0 and PSAC standing to 3-0. Nyshae’ Weaver had an exceptional night, posting a career-high 26 points, shooting 12-13 from the field, grabbing 16 rebounds, and adding three assists and steals. Grace Centrulla also contributed significantly with 12 points, two three-pointers, six rebounds, and assists, along with a block. Shamia Strayhorn and Ellie Wilkerson each chipped in 12 points, with Wilkerson also grabbing six rebounds, two assists, a block, and two steals.
Game Highlights and Moments
Centrulla opened the scoring for the Hawks with a jumper on their first possession. IUP quickly jumped to a 10-point lead within three minutes, limiting Shepherd to just two points while capitalizing on two steals. Weaver led IUP with eight points on perfect shooting and six rebounds in the opening period.The second quarter saw a scoring drought lasting nearly three minutes at the seven-minute mark. Centrulla broke the dry spell with a jumper, followed by two free throws from Zavasky. Layups from Zavasky and Jordan extended IUP’s lead before Shepherd responded with back-to-back three-pointers, narrowing the Hawks’ advantage to six at halftime.Shepherd came out strong in the third quarter, sinking a three-pointer and converting a steal into a layup within the first 30 seconds, cutting the deficit to three. Weaver answered with two consecutive layups, but Shepherd fought back, eventually taking their first lead of the game with a jumper at the 4:40 mark.The teams traded the lead a few times and IUP capped off the third quarter up 53-48 from four made free throws.In the final quarter, Centrulla hit her first three-pointer at the 8:17 mark to push IUP’s lead to nine. Shepherd fought back, tying the game at 61 with under five minutes remaining. Weaver broke the tie with a basket, followed by another clutch three-pointer from Centrulla, assisted by Scott, giving IUP a one-point lead with 2:15 left. IUP closed the game with three key steals and four made free throws to secure their sixth win this season, remaining undefeated.Upcoming Game Against West Chester
IUP closes out the weekend with a highly anticipated matchup against West Chester on Saturday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m. This game is set to be another exciting showdown for the team. Fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing the Hawks in action once again.Follow for Updates
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women’s basketball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_WBB. This is the best way to stay connected with the team and get all the latest news and highlights.