Box Score
LANGHORNE, PA - With their counterpart ranked twelfth nationally in rebounding margin entering Tuesday's game, the Crimson Eagles knew they'd need an inspired effort on the glass against Neumann in order to remain competitive against the visiting Knights.
Instead, Neumann held true to form and all but had their way with the host squad on the offensive glass, controlling and at times utterly dominating PBU in the boards category, as illustrated by the final statis. The Knights finished with a 25-7 advantage in offensive rebounds by the time the final horn sounded and corralled an incredibly lopsided edge in second chance points (28-2).
With PBU's previous two contests dragging into overtime, Neumann made sure to dispel any notion of a third straight outing requiring an extra session as the Knights jumped all over the Crimson Eagles from the outset.
A high pressure, full court defensive front from Neumann helped force the Crimson Eagles into 16 costly first half giveaways, which - combined with 11 Knight offensive rebounds in the opening stanza - allowed Neumann to roll out of the gates. The visitors quickly vaulted to a 7-0 lead within the first two minutes of play and wasted no time expanding the margin to 26-6 just six minutes later.
Despite a somewhat one-sided statistical advantages in the opening period, a respectable 44.4 percent shooting clip from the floor in the opening period allowed the Crimson Eagles to claw within 13 at the intermission, trailing 41-28.
But hopes of a substantial second half comeback where quickly erased in the first few minutes of the second period as Neumann went on a 9-2 run to open play after the break. The Knights would lead by as many as 35 with five minutes remaining.
Nuemann was led by a combo of 20 point scorers as double-double machine Bethany Whetts collected 20 points and 13 rebounds while guard Jordan Elgart added 20 points on five of six shooting from downtown.
The Crimson Eagles were led by junior Dani Norton's team high 14 points, six rebounds and three assists, while third year forward Lindsey Fornwalt charted 10 points, six boards and four assists. Sophomore Dani Hooper added a career high 11 points on three of six shooting throughout the night.
Following a three game homestand, PBU will begin a four game road trip this Thursday, taking on Immaculata at 6:00 pm.
