Box Score
ALLENTOWN, PA - The Crimson Eagles were unable to keep pace with host Cedar Crest College during the back end of play Wednesday evening as the visitors were outscored 37-26 in the second half.
During a game that routinely flip-flopped momentum and saw both squads squander advantages, the Falcons ultimately managed to fend off a relentless PBU squad that refused concede despite an enormous first half deficit.
"We showed a lot of heart tonight and fought back," head coach Drew Watson reflected after the final horn. "We had stretches where we didn't play all that well - particularly on defense - but overall we played a hard, physical game."
The Crimson Eagles began the first five minutes of play in forgettable fashion. Cedar Crest capitalized on several miscues from the visitors, utilizing five turnovers during the span to build up an early 17-4 cushion. But a Hannah McCardle triple would spark PBU into a frenzy the ensuing six minutes as the Crimson Eagles would reverse rolls by stringing together a 17-0 spurt to go ahead 21-17.
A final push by the Falcons before the break would help Cedar Crest seize a 30-27 edge during the intermission. Unfortunately for PBU, the group would fail to regain control the rest of the way.
The host squad would continue the roller coaster theme by rattling off 18 of the next 22 points to begin the new frame. PBU would cut the deficit to eight with just under six minutes remaining but wouldn't be able to overcome the hurdle down the stretch as the Falcons held on for what amounts to their second largest triumph of the season, a 67-53 victory.
"I thought we represented well and moved forward in a lot of different ways," Watson said. "We showed some progress both offensively and defensively."
The Crimson Eagles received a 24 point, six board effort from senior guard Dani Norton while Lindsey Fornwalt would pitch in with 12 points and five boards. Careth Herron added five points a team high mark of 11 boards in the loss.
PBU will return to the hardwood next Monday when the group heads to Aston to go up against Neumann University at 6:00 pm.
