DuBOIS, Pa. — With only a month left in the regular season, the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Penn State DuBois are riding high and making moves up the division standings in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). Both teams came into last week on multiple-game win streaks and looked to keep that momentum going as the calendar flipped to February.
The week began on Wednesday for the Lady Lions when they visited Penn State Shenango. A late push by DuBois wasn’t enough to overcome Shenango, as the Lady Lions fell 67-51 on the road.
Natalie Bowser led the charge for DuBois with 13 points and seven rebounds, shooting an efficient 7-for-10 from the free-throw line. Elizabeth Hungiville was a force on the boards, securing a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with two points, three steals, and a block. Rebecca Martin provided a spark off the bench, knocking down three 3-pointers on her way to nine points. Freshman Reagan Slawson also made an impact, tallying nine points on 3-for-5 shooting.
After struggling offensively in the first three quarters, DuBois found its rhythm in the fourth, outscoring Shenango 21-12. The Lady Lions shot 35.3% from the field in the final frame, their best mark of the game. However, Shenango capitalized on turnovers, converting 24 DuBois miscues into 24 points. Defensively, DuBois forced 17 turnovers and recorded nine steals, with Bowser leading the team with five. However, Shenango’s Shar’Da Williamson proved too much to handle, finishing with a game-high 17 points.
Following the loss that saw its four-game win streak end, Penn State DuBois looked to get back on the winning track when it hosted Penn State Beaver on Saturday at the PAW Center. Beaver, who came into the game ranked eighth nationally, has been a perennial power in the PSUAC for many years. A hard fought, back and forth game saw DuBois pull the upset over Beaver, 65-62, in a thrilling contest.
Hungiville led the Lady Lions with a double-double, tallying 16 points and a game-high 20 rebounds. Bowser also made her presence felt inside, adding 11 points and 13 rebounds. Martin provided a spark off the bench, knocking down four 3-pointers on her way to a 14-point outing.
The Lady Lions controlled the glass, out-rebounding Beaver 55-34, which led to 23 second-chance points. Despite committing 34 turnovers, DuBois made up for it with strong shooting in the second quarter, hitting 47.4% from the field to take a 36-30 halftime lead.
Beaver stayed in the game behind a balanced attack, with Bailey Rieg leading the way with 16 points. The visitors forced 34 turnovers, converting them into 27 points, but struggled at the free-throw line, making just 43.8% of their attempts.
In a tight fourth quarter, DuBois held off a late Beaver rally with timely defensive stops and clutch free throws down the stretch. The supportive and passionate home crowd also helped the Lady Lions bring home the victory.