BEAVER FALLS, Pa. – The Allegheny women's basketball team fell in a back-and-forth Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) road contest at Geneva, 72-69, Saturday (Dec. 2).
In total, the game saw 17 total lead changes and ties.
The game started off with some back-and-forth action as the teams were evenly matched midway through the first quarter. The Gators would go on a 10-3 run to take a 15-9 lead. However, the Golden Tornadoes ended the frame on an 8-3 run to cut the Allegheny lead down to 18-17.
Geneva scored the first four points of the second quarter to take the lead. After exchanging baskets, Allegheny rattled off a 9-0 run to take control, 29-23. Similar to the first quarter, the Golden Tornadoes went on a late run to bring the score within one, 34-33, at the half.
Sofia Genareo (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern Central) led the Gators in the first half with 13 points while also pulling down six rebounds.
Jess Bickart (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) had six points with seven rebounds and six assists while
Emily Lauer (Knox, Pa./Keystone) also netted six. The Gators held a 31-23 advantage on the boards.
The Gators started the third quarter on a 6-0 run, but the Golden Tornadoes were quick to respond, outscoring the Gators 10-3 to take the lead, 46-43. Allegheny would fight back and regain the lead, 51-50, on a
Sarah Santicola (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) jumper in the final minute of the frame.
The back-and-forth play trickled into the fourth as the teams continued to trade leads as they were tied at 58 midway through. Following a timeout, a Bickart three and a Lauer lay-up gave the Gators a 63-58 advantage. However, the Golden Tornadoes went on a 6-0 to take 70-67 lead with under thirty seconds to play. A Genareo free-throw cut the lead to 70-68, but Geneva converted their opportunities at the line to close out the game.
Inside the Box
- Genareo led the Gators with her first double-double of the season, putting up a career-high 23 points with a season-high 14 rebounds.
- Bickart was just shy of a triple-double, putting up a season-high tying 15 rebounds, career-high 10 assists and nine points. She also had a pair of steals.
- Lauer was also in double-figures with 17 points and just missed a double-double with nine rebounds.
- Santicola produced 10 rebounds, six points and three blocks.
- Kate Leach (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) also had six points with a season-high seven rebounds.
- Jasmyn Fisher (Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills) and Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) had four points each.
- The Gators had a 61-47 advantage in rebounding. The 61 rebounds were a season-high.
News and Notes
- The Gators are now 9-4 all-time against the Golden Tornadoes.
- Genareo scored a career-high 23 points.
- Bickart had a career-high 10 assists.
Up Next
The Gators conclude a three-game road trip Wednesday (Dec. 6) at Westminster.