EMMITSBURG, Md. (December 16, 2024) – Mount St. Mary's and Mercyhurst fought into overtime on the Owen McCormick Court in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Mountaineers held off a 19-point comeback by the Lakers to prevail, 88-83.
Anna LeMaster put in a career high with 25 points, including five three-pointers and 8-of-9 from the charity stripe.
Jo Raflo added 19 on 8-for-19 shooting, while
Gabrielle Kennerly was vital down the stretch, finishing with 18 points.
Nyodie Guerard made her Mount St. Mary's debut, posting five points off two made buckets. Raflo and
Giana Hoddinott held the Mount's rebound lead with six each.
Allyson Ross and Bailey Kuhns earned double-doubles for the Lakers. Ross contributed a game-high 26 points, with Kuhns adding 25.
Blazing out of the gates, the Mountaineers connected on 12 of 14 shots in the opening quarter, posting 32 points for their highest total across a 10 minute span this season. At the 8:56 mark, Kennerly hit a bucket for a 34-15 advantage. But foul trouble inhibited a chance to pull away in decisive fashion, and the Lakers hung around while the Mount kept shooting. The visitors led 53-37 at the break, accumulating their season average by halftime.
Mercyhurst made its slow climb back in the third quarter. The home side added 20 points in the third quarter to close the gap to seven points. A 1-for-7 Mount start allowed the comeback to stay float and Mercyhurst took their first lead at the 5:01 mark, 68-66. Kennerly grabbed the lead back on an and-one, and the teams battled to the end of regulation. Down two with four seconds left, LeMaster was fouled while shooting a potential game-winner, and hit two of three at the line to force overtime.
Raflo kicked off the extra session with a three-pointer, which was matched by Kuhns. Kennerly then took charge with a layup and jumper at the 80-78 and 82-80 mark. The latter basket put the Mount up for good, with a Raflo layup and foul shots by LeMaster nailing the coffin.
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play begins Thursday (Dec. 19), when Mount St. Mary's welcomes Marist. Tip-off is 7 p.m. from Knott Arena.
