The Shippensburg University women’s basketball team used a balanced scoring effort to defeat Bloomsburg University, 73-64, on Saturday afternoon at Nelson Field House. Shippensburg also clinched a first-round bye in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament due to East Stroudsburg’s win over Shepherd.
The Raiders (19-7, 16-4 PSAC) had four players finish in double figures, led by junior Ariel Jones’ 17 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Junior Destiny Jefferson added 13 points, six rebounds, one block and a team-high three steals.
Shippensburg overcame a slow start, scoring only 12 points in the first quarter, to win its sixth straight contest. The Raiders’ offense responded to the slow start by shooting 10-of-17 (58.8%) from the field and scoring 22 points in the second quarter.
While the Huskies kept the game close throughout, they could not overcome the Raiders’ strong defensive effort. SU held Bloomsburg (12-13, 9-12 PSAC) to 64 points and 39.1% shooting from the field. Shippensburg also recorded eight steals and totaled 23 points off of turnovers.
Sophomore Aunbrielle Green finished with 11 points and seven rebounds in the win. Her efforts in the second half — nine points and six rebounds — went a long way in helping the Raiders hold onto the lead throughout the second half.
The Raiders reached the free-throw line 25 times, converting on 18 attempts. The team went 10-of-13 from the line in the fourth quarter en route to sealing the win.
Shippensburg earned a first-round bye in the PSAC Tournament and Bloomsburg, despite losing to SU, clinched a spot in the tournament as well. The Raiders can finish no worse than second place in the PSAC Eastern Division.
Up next for the Raiders is an important matchup with Shepherd University (19-7, 13-7 PSAC), whom the team lost to in their first matchup of the season, on Wednesday night at Heiges Field House.
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