CRESSON, Pa. – The Mt. Aloysius women's basketball team posted a 61-59 victory over Penn State Behrend in a crucial Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) contest on Saturday afternoon.
In a game with possible playoff implications, the Mounties (10-12, 7-9 AMCC) stay alive for a spot in the six-team tournament by holding off the Lions (5-18, 5-11 AMCC) in the final minutes of the game. Ten different players scored for Mt. Aloysius, getting a team-best 12 points from Olivia Rupp.
Ally Burke (Erie, PA/Mercyhurst) led all scorers with 21 points and Brittany Kiger (White Oak, PA/McKeesport) had the only double-double with a game-high 15 rebounds and 13 points.
The Mounties held a 36-27 lead at halftime, but Behrend reversed the scoring in the second half and held Mt. Aloysius to three points in the final six minutes in the comeback attempt.
The Lions got within five on a few occasions in the second half. The Mounties responded with an 18-6 run to regain the double-digit lead. Trailing 59-46 with 5:33 left to play, it took a total team effort to go on a 13-2 run a one-basket game with 17 seconds on the clock.
Burke made two free throws , before Behrend forced Mt. Aloysius to miss a layup to get the ball back with 14 seconds left at 61-59. The final two attempts by the Lions to tie the game did not fall resulting in the Mounties earning the conference win and avenging a loss to Behrend earlier in the season.
Fontaine Glenn (West Sunbury, PA/Moniteau) was the third player in double figures with 12 points.
Burke's 21 points puts her 36 away from reaching 1,000 for her career.
The Lions return to action on Wednesday against Hilbert. Game time is 6 p.m.