Lions Rally To Defeat Francsican in AMCC Action

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio  – The Penn State Behrend women's basketball team rallied back from a nine-point deficit in the second half to defeat Franciscan 55-52 in Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) action on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions (3-17, 2-12 AMCC) avenged an 86-49 loss to the Barons (4-16, 3-11 AMCC) nearly a month ago with a strong performance in the final 20 minutes to get their second conference win of the season.

Brianna Bayly (Imperial, PA/West Allegheny) led all scorers with 19 points. Natalie Corso (Moon Township, PA/Moon) added 12 points and Brittany Kiger (White Oak, PA/McKeesport) published 10 points for three players in double figures for Behrend.

Lacey Huck paced Franciscan with 16 points, six rebounds and three steals.

With the score tied at 41-all thanks to a layup by Kiger at the 8:18 mark of the second half, Bayly hit a pair of free throws a minute later to give the Lions a 43-41 lead. Behrend was faced with a nine-point deficit four minutes prior, but were able to switch the score and hold on for the win.

The Barons got a three-pointer from Katie Rhodes and then a layup from Iliana Gonzales to regain the lead they once had at 46-45.

Bayly hit back-to-back layups and Kiger followed with two points to put the Lions ahead for good at 49-46. The lead grew to five points thanks to a steal by Corso which led to Bayly's good jump shot.

Franciscan got within one on two occasions with 1:35 left to play. The two teams exchanged free throws with Rachael Razzano (New Castle, PA/New Castle) getting the last say from the line, giving Behrend a 55-52 advantage with 18 seconds on the clock.

The Barons missed a last-attempt three pointer with six seconds left and with time expiring.

The Lions shot 42.9 percent from the floor and held a 29-25 advantage on the glass.

Behrend returns to action on Wednesday against Pitt-Greensburg. Game time is 8 p.m.