MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny women's basketball team's comeback attempt came up short as they fell at home in Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) play against Chatham, 63-59, Saturday (Feb. 7).
 
After the Gators scored the first basket of the game, the Cougars went on a 14-0 run to gain control. The Chatham lead reached as much as 15 in the frame as they took a 21-8 lead into the second quarter.
 
Allegheny opened the second quarter on a 6-1 run, featuring a three by Ava Kobus (Pittsburgh, Pa./Norwin), to cut the deficit to 22-14. After the Gators cut the lead to 26-20 with a minute remaining, the Cougars scored the final four points to take a 30-20 lead in the locker room.
 
The Cougars extended their lead to 12 points, 37-25, early in the third quarter. The Gators would chip away at the lead, dropping it to 42-32 at the five minute mark. After that, Allegheny put together their best offensive run of the game, rattling off nine straight points to make it a one point game. However, Chatham scored the final four points of the frame to lead 46-41 after three quarters of play.
 
The late momentum carried over to the fourth for Chatham as they hit back-to-back threes to start the final 10 minutes. Following a timeout, the Gators went on an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to three points.
 
The Cougar lead remained at three points entering the final minute. The Gators forced a turnover but missed a three with 10 seconds remaining. Chatham was able to make a pair of late free-throws before Isabella Antonacci (Indiana, Pa./Indiana Area) hit a corner three with under five seconds left. However, the Cougars converted another pair of free-throws to seal the win.
 
Inside the Box

• Bickart had a team-high 17 points and seven rebounds.
• Antonacci netted 11 points with six rebounds and four assists.
• Santicola finished the game with 10 points, seven rebounds and  three blocks. 
• Kobus had seven points and seven rebounds while Eyra Co (Manila, Philippines/Pike Christian Academy (Ohio)) also had seven points.
• The Gators shot 45.3% (24-of-53) from the floor and had a 38-34 advantage in rebounds. 

News and Notes

• Allegheny is 5-6 all-time against Chatham.
• Bickart is now just four points away from becoming the 20th Gator to reach 1,000 career points.
• Antonacci scored in double digits for the 14th straight game. 

Up Next
The Gators are back on the road Wednesday (Feb. 11) when they travel to Grove City.