MANSFIELD, Pa. — The Marauders started strong in Mansfield but couldn't continue their winning ways, falling 84-60. It's Millersville's first loss in 2024 and brings its divisional record back down to even at five wins and five losses apiece.
Sophie Elstone made back-to-back impact plays to open up the game, knocking down a three-pointer off of a Shaw pass before picking off the inbound. The senior guard then fed
Brenna Ortwein for the layup. Millersville led for most of the period but the hosts took a 21-17 lead by its conclusion by scoring five straight.
The Marauders found themselves down double digits a few minutes later after a Mountaineer 15-6 run to open the second. They would enter the half trailing by 12 despite
Makiah Shaw's 12 points on six of seven from the field and a team shooting mark of more than 50%. Mansfield created a lot of its offense from beyond the arc, especially in the second quarter. They made six of their 10 attempts in the period and seven of 15 in the half.
Millersville held Mansfield scoreless for the first three minutes of the third quarter. However, the Mounties' hot shooting continued over the final 20 minutes and the Marauders lost 84-60.
Morgan Mahoney led the Marauders and matched a season-high with three blocks.
Jillian Crawford reached double-figures for the second time this season with 10 points, cashing in on two three-pointers.
GAME NOTES
- With the loss, the Marauders's record against PSAC opponents falls back to .500 at 5-5. They fall back to fourth place in the division, a half game behind Kutztown. They will have the opportunity to retake third place when they face the Golden Bears next week.
- It's Millersville's seventh loss all-time against Mansfield in 79 meetings. The rivalry has been more even through the past four matchups, as each team claims two wins apiece.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The halftime score of Millersville's games has been indicative of the final result so far this season. With the loss today, their record when behind at halftime drops to 2-8 overall.
- Ortwein recorded two steals, second to Elstone's three on the team. It's Ortwein's seventh consecutive game with multiple steals.
POSTGAME REACTION FROM HEAD COACH KIRA MOWEN
- Overall thoughts: "We didn't play Millersville Basketball, we weren't locked in enough and that is my fault to get them ready and prepare them for away games. I will look to push them harder this week as we prepare for a tough swing."
- On the Mountaineer run in the second quarter: "We had a few defensive breakdowns that led to some unsuccessful offensive trips-we can't do both"
UP NEXT
- The Marauders look to regain third place in the division when they host Kutztown on Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m.
