Jan. 28, 2009

Box Score

ERIE - Mercyhurst scored 20 of its 30 second-half points off turnovers in getting a come-from-behind 56-45 win over visiting Clarion in PSAC-West women's basketball action Wednesday night at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Clarion (7-11 overall, 1-4 PSAC-West) led 27-26 at halftime but couldn't shake off a 9-1 Mercyhurst (9-9, 3-2) run to start the second half.

On a cold and snowy night better suited for football, Mercyhurst's turned to defense to get the win forcing 24 Clarion turnovers and holding the Golden Eagles to 30.2 percent (16 of 53) shooting including 5 of 22 (22.7 percent) in the second half.

Clarion's defense was nearly the equalizer holding the Lakers to 34.9 percent shooting (22 of 63), forcing 19 turnovers and blocking six shots.

Bethany Koch led Clarion with 19 points and seven rebounds. Katrina Greer added 12 points, while Lizzie Suwala had six points, 11 rebounds, two blocked shots and two steals. Sara Pratt also had eight rebounds, two steals and three blocks and moved into sole possession of second place in Clarion history in blocks with 119.

Stephanie Prischak led all scorers with 24 points for Mercyhurst, while Amy Achesinski added nine points and six rebounds.

Clarion returns to action Saturday when it hosts Edinboro at 6 p.m. All kids 14 & under get in free.