Wilkes-Barre Women Earn 66-52 Win Over Du Bois

Lehman, Pa- The Penn State Wilkes-Barre (4-6, 2-0 PSUAC) women's basketball team used a 40-21 halftime advantage to pick up its second conference win in a 66-52 toppling of Penn State Du Bois (1-7, 0-3 PSUAC). 

After quickly falling behind 4-0 early, Wilkes-Barre answered with an 11-0 run of its own, capped by a jumper from sophomore point guard Jalicia Robinson (Wyandanch HS, NY) at the 15:25 mark.  Du Bois countered, as a three-pointer from freshman guard Mary Pillot (Milesburg, PA/Bald Eagle) cut the lead to just 11-7. Wilkes-Barre prevented the visitors from getting any closer, however, and, following a three-pointer at the buzzer from Robinson, ended its strong first half on a 29-14 spurt. 

The Du Bois women came out with a strong second half performance, as they stifled the Wilkes-Barre offense into shooting just 27.8% (10-36) from the floor.  A basket from freshman guard Chelsea Szakal (Monessen, PA/Monessen) cut the lead to 46-31, but served as the high-water mark in their comeback attempt.  Led by 17 points from freshman guard Katelyn McLaughlin (Doglistown, PA), Wilkes-Barre overcame its tough second half to hold on for the PSUAC victory.

Three additional players from the home team notched in double-figures, including a double-double- 15 points and 11 rebounds- for freshman forward Kian Wright (Ambler, PA).  Senior forward Tiaira Brathwaite (Rockaway Park, NY/Beach Channel) chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds, while freshman guard Breana Moore (Allentown, PA) scored 10. 

Senior forward Patience McCullough (Cherry Tree, PA/Purchase Line) fronted the Du Bois offense, tallying 15 points on 6-10 shooting.  Pillot also notched double-figures for the visitors, with 11 points.

Both squads return to the court tomorrow afternoon for PSUAC tilts: Wilkes-Barre hosts Penn State Greater Allegheny, while Du Bois travels to Penn State Worthington Scranton.