WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The Marauders and Golden Rams faced off at Hollinger Field House for a key conference match-up and West Chester claimed the 62-45 victory over Millersville and notched their 13th straight win. The Marauders averaged 67.7 points per game entering Wednesday night's match-up, but West Chester's defense held Millersville to 45 points and maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the game.
Millersville drops to 16-10 overall and 11-10 in PSAC action with the loss to West Chester. With postseason action just under a week away, the Marauders are holding strong in third place which will clinch a first-round home game for Millersville. The Golden Rams improved to 20-7 overall and 17-4 in the PSAC which increased their chance of winning the PSAC East regular season title which will be determined after their final game on Saturday.
Tallying her 19th game in double-figures, Taylor Langan led the box for Millersville with 14 points and recorded a double-double with 11 rebounds. Langan also recorded Millersville's only three-pointer of the night. Makiah Shaw tallied nine points from shooting 36% from the floor and making one free throw. Four Marauders totaled four points including Marin Miller, Jabria Ingram, Brenna Ortwein, and Bria Beverly.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first five minutes of action were low scoring on both ends but the Golden Rams defense made it difficult for Millersville to create any offensive momentum by forcing three turnovers in Millersville's first three offensive runs. Makiah Shaw got the Marauders on the board from a jumper in the paint, but the Golden Rams three-point shooting was notable as they went 4-for-7 behind the arc. West Chester outscored Millersville 22-10 in the first with Christa Ricks notching the Marauders' 10th point at the buzzer.
- Millersville improved their shooting to 54.55% in the second which helped to cut deficit to 10 points with 6:25 to play. West Chester's offense was not as powerful as the first quarter, but their cushion allowed the Golden Rams to lead the Marauders 36-11 at the half. Shaw led the Maraduers in scoring at halftime with eight points.
- The Marauders made a quick six point run to trail by single digits for the first time since the first quarter. West Chester worked quickly to increase their lead back to double digits with 5:24 to play in the third and maintained their lead throughout the quarter. The Golden Rams made a jumper in the paint to close out the third quarter and lead the Marauders 48-36 heading into the final quarter.
- Continuing to fight, Millersville reached another single digit deficit halfway through the fourth quarter and looked to make a late comeback against the Golden Rams. West Chester closed the fourth with a 10-2 run in the final three minutes to stretch their lead to 17 points and secure their 13th straight victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The Marauders and Golden Rams tallied 38 rebounds each. Millersville grabbed 24 on the defensive end.
- Millersville tallied nine points off second chance attempts compared to West Chester's four.
- The Golden Rams held the edge in points off turnovers (18-15), points in the paint (24-22), and fastbreak points (12-5).
UP NEXT
