Lock Haven, Pa. - Millersville women's basketball raced to a 22-6 lead in the first 10 minutes and led the rest of the way for a 71-64 road win at Lock Haven Saturday.
Millersville (6-4, 4-4 PSAC) has now won five of six and three consecutive PSAC games. While the 9-for-18 shooting in the first quarter was key, the Marauders' finish was even more crucial. With Lock Haven slashing Millersville's one-time 18-point lead to five in the final minute,
Alayah Hall and
Shelby Reimer combined to hit 12 consecutive free throws to keep the Bald Eagles in their rearview. Reimer scored 11 of her 13 points in the final five minutes of the game.
Millersville, a team that entered the game ranked last in the 18-team PSAC in free throw shooting, sank a season-best 21-of-26 (.808) of its foul shots. It was the most made free throws by a Millersville team since hitting 22 in November of 2014 and the best single-game percentage since the 2010-11 club knocked down 17-of-20 (.850) at Philadelphia on Nov. 28, 2010.
The Marauders connected on 43.6 percent of their shots and improved to 5-1 when holding a team under 40 percent shooting, limiting Lock Haven to 38.6 percent.
With just over three minutes gone in the first quarter,
Tyisha White sank a pair of foul shots to give Millersville a 6-4 lead. Millersville led for the next 36:54. The Marauders ripped off a 22-2 run that extended into the second quarter. During the run, Millersville shot 9-of-15 from the field, powered by
Courtney Hinnant's seven points. Millersville's defense held Lock Haven to 1-of-13 shooting and six turnovers.
The Marauders' lead stood at 17 (45-28) with five minutes left in the third quarter and remained in double figures until the middle of the fourth. Of Millersville's final 21 points, 14 were scored at the free throw line, including each of the final 12.
Celeste Robinson led four Marauders in double figures with 15 points. Hinnant finished with 10 on 4-of-5 shooting and White matched a career-high with 11.
Aunjel Van Brakle totaled a team-high nine rebounds, blocked three shots, handed out four assists and added two steals.
Millersville has held seven consecutive opponents to 66 points or fewer, going 5-2 in that span.
The Marauders break for the holiday and return to action on New Years Eve at Goldey-Beacom.
