CLARION, Pa. — The Golden Eagles (12-7, 7-6 PSAC) soared to a 59-55 victory over Edinboro (13-9, 10-3 PSAC) at Tippin Gymnasium, snapping a 14-game losing streak against the Fighting Scots. A 21-point fourth quarter fueled the comeback, supported by a defense that recorded nine blocks and six steals.
The win was Clarion's first over Edinboro since Feb. 25, 2017, and its first home triumph in the series since Feb. 2, 2013. The Golden Eagles have won three of their last four games.
Trailing 44-38 entering the fourth quarter, Clarion chipped away at the lead, though Edinboro eventually built a nine-point advantage with 5:33 remaining in regulation. The Golden Eagles then locked down defensively, holding the Fighting Scots scoreless for more than five minutes.
Dominika Logue sparked the run with 3:38 to play, blocking a shot by Rachel Manfredo to set up a fast-break layup for
Arianna Seitz that cut the deficit to 53-48. A defensive rebound by
Niah Smedley on the next possession led to a coast-to-coast bucket.
Zoe Guice then stole the ball from Maura Suman, leading to a game-tying 3-pointer from
Alyssa Terza to make it 53-53.
Terza gave Clarion a 55-53 lead with two free throws with under a minute to go. Another Guice steal led to an Edinboro foul and two more free throws, giving the Golden Eagles a two-possession cushion.
Ava Haddad finally ended Edinboro's drought with a basket with 24 seconds left to cut the lead to 58-55. The Fighting Scots stole the ensuing inbounds pass, but Seitz halted the comeback attempt with her fourth block of the game. Guice then blocked a 3-point attempt by Hope Garrity to seal the win.
Seitz led Clarion with 17 points and four blocks. Guice added 13 points and two steals, while Terza finished with 10 points and six rebounds. Smedley contributed seven points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.
Clarion controlled the paint early, scoring 12 points inside during the first quarter. Despite eight turnovers, the Golden Eagles led 12-8 after the opening period.
In the second quarter,
Claire Noble hit a 3-pointer at the 9:37 mark off an assist from
Kendall Berger. Seitz remained pivotal, hitting a fast-break jumper with 2:38 left and a layup with 13 seconds remaining in the half to give Clarion a 29-21 halftime lead.
Edinboro rallied in the third quarter to take the lead, but Smedley and the defense remained firm with key blocks. Despite the defensive effort, turnovers left Clarion trailing 44-38 heading into the final frame.
