ERIE, Pa. – Chestnut Ridge graduate Belle Bosch posted 12 points and six rebounds to help Pitt-Johnstown get within seven points in the third quarter, but No. 12/15 Gannon was able to pull away for a 66-41 PSAC West victory over the Mountain Cats Wednesday evening at the Highmark Events Center.
Pitt-Johnstown fell to 2-17 overall and 0-12 in the PSAC.
Along with Bosch, who hit 6 of her 12 shots, Riley Childress added 10 points, five rebounds and a game-high four assists for Pitt-Johnstown. Kayden Keith scored five points off the bench, and M’laya Ainsworth totaled four points and matched her career high with nine rebounds.
Pitt-Johnstown fell behind 14-2 after one quarter.
The Mountain Cats picked it up and shot 47.6% in the second quarter to narrow the gap to nine on three occasions. The Golden Knights answered to outscore Pitt-Johnstown 7-2 down the stretch and used Kate Ratliff’s bucket as time expired to take a 31-17 halftime advantage.
Pitt-Johnstown continued to battle and cut it to 33-26 midway through the third quarter with a 9-0 run, capped by Keith’s bucket and a free throw from Childress. However, Gannon regained control and outscored the Mountain Cats 16-6 over the final 5:27 to extend the lead to 49-32 on Maddy Wheatley’s layup and a pair of free throws from Trinitee Harris.
The Golden Knights wouldn’t let the Mountain Cats get any closer and maintained a double-digit lead throughout the fourth quarter on their way to the victory.
Despite the strong second quarter, Pitt-Johnstown wasn’t able to overcome 29.4% shooting, including just 3 of 19 from 3-point range. Gannon went 23-for-58 from the field and 4 of 17 from behind the arc to finish at 39.7%. The Mountain Cats were 8-12 from the free-throw line, and the Golden Knights were 16-for-24.
Wheatley’s game highs of 16 points and 12 rebounds led three Golden Knights who scored in double figures. Bri Claxon added 13 points and five rebounds, and Harris tallied 11 points for Gannon (17-3, 9-2).
The Mountain Cats return home to host PSAC doubleheaders with the men’s team against Seton Hill at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 29.
