WEST CHESTER, Pa. — The Clarion Golden Eagles put up a valiant fight against West Chester on Sunday, but ultimately fell 80-73 despite a thrilling fourth-quarter surge that saw them rack up 29 points. The Golden Eagles showcased their tenacity with 10 steals and 18 fast break points, keeping the PSAC matchup tight.
Alyssa Terza delivered 14 points, including three crucial 3-pointers, and grabbed seven rebounds.
Aundraya Neavins dished out eight assists and snagged five rebounds.
Niah Smedley led the scoring for Clarion with 18 points, adding two blocks and six rebounds.
Lia Krarup chipped in 10 points and pocketed three steals.
The Golden Eagles started strong, converting turnovers into a 9–0 run that set the pace early. Smedley was instrumental, driving in a fast-break layup and hitting a jumper in the paint, energizing Clarion's offense. However, the Golden Rams leveled the score at 14 with a 3-pointer from Macie McCracken at 2:06. Krarup's fast-break jumper with two seconds on the clock edged Clarion ahead 19–17 to close the first quarter.
The second quarter saw the Golden Eagles fighting to hold momentum, highlighted by Neavins' fastbreak layup at 8:25, which momentarily cut into West Chester's lead. Despite a strong defensive showing, including three key steals, turnovers proved costly with six in the quarter. Krarup sparked a brief rally with a 3-pointer at 2:53, but West Chester's steady scoring kept them in front.
Clarion's 5-for-6 performance from the free-throw line helped reduce the gap slightly, but the Golden Rams capitalized on their opportunities, posting a 23-point quarter. Clarion entered halftime trailing 40-31, with West Chester holding the reins.
In the third quarter, the Golden Eagles came out swinging defensively. Smedley grabbed a defensive rebound and quickly turned it into a layup at 9:10, chipping away at the lead. Despite a mid-quarter jumper by Neavins at 7:17, the Golden Rams countered with consistent scoring to extend their advantage.
Terza's 3-pointer at 5:16 offered a glimmer of hope, but West Chester's steady scoring, capped by a late 3-pointer, widened the gap. The Golden Eagles added 13 points to West Chester's 21, closing the quarter down 61–44.
Clarion mounted a determined comeback in the final quarter. Neavins was pivotal, driving in a layup and converting the free throw at 5:53 to cut into West Chester's lead. Terza kept the energy up with crucial points, including a fast-break layup with just over a minute left, bringing Clarion within striking distance.
Despite the Golden Eagles' relentless push, the Golden Rams held firm, using a late layup by McCracken to stave off the visitors. Clarion's spirited effort saw them outscore West Chester 29-19 in the quarter, but they fell just short. The game wrapped up with West Chester securing the victory, 80-73.
