CLARION, Pa. – Clarion dropped a tightly contested PSAC matchup to East Stroudsburg, 78–73, Wednesday evening at Tippin Gymnasium. The Golden Eagles were outscored 26–16 in the fourth quarter despite forcing 18 turnovers and holding a 43–34 edge on the glass.
Clarion set the tone early, opening the game with strong defensive pressure and efficient transition offense.
Niah Smedley scored just 12 seconds into the contest, and
Arianna Seitz followed with a fast-break layup and a three-pointer to give the Golden Eagles an early edge. A late three-pointer by
Lia Krarup helped Clarion close the opening quarter ahead 21–17.
The Golden Eagles extended their advantage in the second quarter by capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Seitz converted a putback midway through the period, and Zoé Bayer knocked down a three-pointer off an assist from Smedley to push the lead to seven. East Stroudsburg trimmed the margin late, but Clarion maintained control heading into halftime with a 38–31 lead.
Clarion continued to answer in the third quarter as Bayer sparked the offense with a steal and score early in the period.
Claire Noble connected from beyond the arc late in the quarter, and Bayer closed the frame with a layup and a free throw in the final seconds to send Clarion into the fourth quarter ahead 57–52.
The Golden Eagles opened the fourth quarter with a quick basket off a turnover, but East Stroudsburg responded with a 10–2 run to seize momentum midway through the period. Clarion stayed within reach at the free-throw line and with timely interior scoring, but the Warriors' efficiency in transition and in the paint allowed the visitors to pull away late and secure the 78–73 win.
Zoé Bayer led Clarion with 17 points, four steals, and three assists, while
Arianna Seitz added 15 points, six rebounds, and four steals.
Niah Smedley finished with eight points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, and
Jaylyn Twitty contributed seven points, five rebounds, and three steals. Clarion forced 18 turnovers and held a 43–34 rebounding advantage in the contest.
