Riverdale, N.Y. (January 16, 2007)?The Lady Jaspers led by as many as 11 points in the second half, yet Penn was able to rally past Manhattan on Tuesday night, coming away with a 61-58 victory. Three Quakers scored in double figures, led by Monica Naltner's 13. Penn has now won two games in a row, improving its record 6-9 on the season. The loss drops Manhattan's record to 4-13.
With Penn leading 60-56, Caitlin Flood, who scored a game high 20 points, converted a lay-up with eight seconds left that cut Penn's lead to 60-58. Amanda LoCascio immediately fouled Joey Rhoads, sending her to the line for two shots. The senior hit the first, but missed the second, giving Manhattan a chance to tie with six seconds left. Flood collected the errant shot and dribbled up the court, but was unable to get a shot off before time expired.
Manhattan appeared to be in firm control after a foul shot by Flood with 12:31 to play put the Lady J's up 11 points at 42-31. However, Penn began to rally right after Flood's free throw. Two foul shots by Lauren Pears and a lay-up by Ashley Gray cut Manhattan's lead to 42-35, and was the beginning of a 12-0 Quakers run. After another lay-up by Gray, back-to-back trifectas from Naltner and Rhoads gave Penn a 43-42 lead, their first lead since the 11 minute mark of the first half.
A three-pointer by Cottrell on Manhattan's next possession temporarily put the home side back in front at 45-43 with 6:43 to play, but Penn quickly answered back. Led by Gray, who scored eight points down the stretch, the Quakers went on a 12-5 run over the next four minutes, and led by six points at 57-51 with 2:04 remaining.
After the team's traded possessions, another deep ball by Cottrell cut the visitors lead to 57-54 with 59 seconds left, but with time running down, Manhattan was forced to begin fouling.
The Lady Jaspers led for much of the game, taking a 12-10 lead on two Aubrie Dellinger foul shots after a seesaw beginning. Manhattan gradually padded its lead to 27-22 at halftime, and went on a 15-11 run to open the second half. Penn was able to use its size advantage, particularly Gray and Naltner to climb back in the game, outscoring the Lady Jaspers 32-26 in the paint.
Flood's 20 points, on 7-10 shooting, is the fourth time in five games the junior has scored 20 or more points.
The Lady Jaspers return to action this Friday as they resume MAAC play to take on Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.
