RICHLAND TOWNSHIP — IUP, which began its freshman year under interim coach Craig Carey with 11 straight wins, suffered its third straight loss on Saturday.
The Crimson Hawks failed to overcome a productive Pitt-Johnstown fourth quarter and were eliminated 62-42 in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division women’s basketball game at the Sports Center.
IUP (11-3, 6-3) struggled with shooting throughout the afternoon, especially in the second half, and endured several droughts. Kiera Baughman had a team-high 12 points with three assists.
Pitt-Johnstown (9-6, 6-3) capitalized on an even performance with four in double figures, shooting 50 percent off the floor in the last 10 minutes to extend his lead into double figures. Peyton Alazaus had a game-high 16 points for the Mountain Cats and narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds and five assists.
Ashley Norling added 15 points and five boards while Olivia Fasick added 14 points with four steals.
IUP opened a narrow lead throughout the first quarter, crowned by a lay-in by Alana Cardona with less than a minute in frame for a 14-11 lead. UPJ regained the advantage in the second phase of action, starting with an and-one for Norling.
Minutes later, Alazaus capitalized on an IUP turnover with a 3-pointer, giving UPJ a 23-18 advantage. Another turnover resulted in a run-out bucket for Alazus, giving the hosts a 10-point lead at 30-20.
IUP trimmed their deficit to just five in the third quarter, with Josie Smith scoring from under before the Mountain Cats promptly responded with a 3 at the 9:20 mark. IUP cooled down the shooting for the rest of the afternoon as Anna Kadlubek finished the frame with a Baughman sweater.
In the fourth quarter, the Mountain Cats overtook IUP by a 20-9 lead and moved double digits forward on the first basket of the stanza without looking back. UPJ capitalized on a 13-0 run to start fourth and then led by as much as 22 points.
Cardona struggled through some difficulties, recording eight points, three rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes. Gina Adams scored six points for the Hawks that allowed UPJ to control the contest after a strong shooting performance in the second and fourth quarters.
IUP shot just 30.8 percent (16 to 52), including 3 to 13 from the 3-point range, and committed 24 turnovers.
Pitt-Johnstown finished 38.9 percent (21-54), including 6-23 from 3-point range.
IUP’s first two losses came at home to Mercyhurst and at Gannon.
IUP hosts Clarion on Wednesday.
