Box Score

CLARION – Lauren Savulchak's two free throws with 12.5 seconds left broke a 60-all tie and helped Clarion get a 63-60 upset win over second-place visiting IUP Saturday night in PSAC-West women's basketball action.

 

Clarion, which broke an 11-game losing streak to IUP, led 35-28 at halftime on the strength of a 50 percent shooting half that including 7 of 12 from 3-point range.

 

But IUP came back strong in the second half starting the half on a 10-0 run and eventually taking a 48-44 lead midway through the half.

 

The Crimson Hawks still led by one, 50-49, with 7:10 to play before Clarion went on an 8-2 run to take a 57-52 lead with 3:26 to play before IUP tied the game at 60 on two Lacey Claar free throws with 29 seconds to play.

 

But Savulchak grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled with 12.5 seconds left and hit both charity shots to put Clarion up two.

 

After IUP missed a 3-pointer at the other end, Mackenzie Clark grabbed the rebound, was fouled and hit one of two free throws with just over three seconds to play to put Clarion ahead 63-60.

 

Claar had one final shot for IUP, but her 25-footer at the horn was off the mark.

 

Emma Fickel led Clarion with 18 points, including 15 in the first half, and tied her career high with six 3-pointers giving her 80 on the season tying Amy Coon Miller, who was in attendance on alumnae night, for second all-time in school history in made three's by a freshman.

 

Clark recorded her first double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds while adding five assists and two steals. Courtney Healy chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds and a season-high five blocked shots. Raven Jones added seven points, seven assists and eight rebounds with Ann Deibert scoring eight points.

 

Katelyn Marshall led IUP with 14 points, Sarah Pastroek had a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and Claar had 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals.

 

Clarion returns to action at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday when it hosts California in the final home game of the season.

 

NOTES – Numerous Clarion women's basketball alumnae were honored at halftime of the game and at a reception at Tippin Gym following the contest … Fickel also hit six 3-pointers Jan. 9 at Cheyney.