Harrison Lilley

Photo Editor

hjl5363@psu.edu

ERIE, Pa. – In a thrilling encounter within the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC), the Penn State Behrend women’s basketball team clinched a decisive 88-73 victory over Pitt-Greensburg, completing the regular-season sweep on Saturday, January 20.

The Lions asserted their dominance with key performances that showcased their prowess on the court. Morgan Altavilla, hailing from Pittsburgh, delivered a stellar performance, achieving her second career double-double. Altavilla’s game-high 29 points, combined with a career-best 12 rebounds, solidified her impact on the court. Impressively, this followed her remarkable 34-point performance just days earlier.

Rachel Majewski, representing Erie’s Villa Maria Academy, contributed significantly with 19 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Madilyn Boyer, in her third game back this season, showcased her scoring ability, dropping 11 points in 22 minutes of play.

The Lions faced a competitive first period, holding a slight five-point lead at 19-14. However, Pitt-Greensburg fought back, tying the game at 38-all by the end of the second quarter, fueled by four three-pointers.

A pivotal moment before halftime saw Sydney McDonough, from Oakmont’s Riverview, steal the ball and sink a last-second shot, giving Behrend a narrow 40-38 lead at the break. The Lions maintained their strong form, boasting a 9-1 record for the season when leading at halftime and never entering the locker room tied.

The intensity peaked in the final quarter, with both teams collectively scoring more points than in the entire third period. A combined 56 points in the last period underscored the competitive spirit on the court.

One notable statistic was Behrend’s season-low three turnovers, emphasizing their disciplined play. On the defensive end, the Lions forced the Bobcats into committing 20 turnovers, further showcasing their ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes.

With this victory, Penn State Behrend improves to a record of 10-6 overall and an impressive 8-1 in AMCC play. Meanwhile, Pitt-Greensburg’s record stands at 7-10 overall, with a 5-5 mark in conference action. The Lions continue to assert themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the AMCC, setting the stage for an exciting postseason.