LANGHORNE, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's women's basketball team took control in the second quarter and never looked back in a 73-40 conference victory over United East foe Valley Forge on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 24.
Lauren Moffatt led the way with a monster 16-point, 15-rebound double-double. Molli Hogbin also recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Allison Metzgar turned in one the best performances of her career, shooting 60 percent from the field en route to netting 15 points.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair that saw six lead changes and one tie but an old-fashioned 3-point play from Moffatt and jumper from Azaria Bryant Franklin gave the Lions (7-13, 6-3 United East) some breathing room at 17-13 heading into the second period.
Penn State Harrisburg held the Highlanders (2-14, 1-7 United East) to just eight points in the second and used nine points from Moffatt and six more from Hogbin to stretch the lead to a more comfortable 39-21 heading into halftime. Moffatt was so strong to begin the game, she recorded her fifth double-double of the season by the break.
Akira Cho and Metzgar got into the scoring act after halftime, with each converting buckets early in the second half to keep the momentum rolling for the visitors. Nicole Hernandez added a late layup and Brookelynn Carr converted a free throw to push the advantage to 58-26 after three. The Lions controlled the pace the rest of the way, with Metzgar and JP Ferguson providing all the offense needed in the fourth quarter to put the finishing touches on the conference win.
NOTABLES
- The Lions forced 34 turnovers and scored 32 points off Cairn miscues.
- Penn State Harrisburg's bench racked up 35 points.
- Moffatt recorded her fifth double-double of the year, finishing with a game-high 16 points, 15 rebounds and five steals.
- Hogbin also posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.
- Metzgar knocked down three 3-pointers en route to scoring a season-high 15 points off the bench.
- Carr and Ferguson chipped in with seven points apiece.
- Hernandez and Cho each pulled down five rebounds.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions head south for a marquee matchup with the United East leaders from St. Mary's (Md.) on Tuesday night. .
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.
