CHEYNEY, PA (February 24, 2010) – The Kutztown University women's basketball team concluded its four-game road trip by overcoming an early double-digit deficit to defeat Cheyney University, 75-72, and clinch a spot in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) playoffs Wednesday night. (BOXSCORE)
As an added bonus thanks to West Chester's overtime victory over Shippensburg, the Golden Bears also nailed down second place and will host a PSAC playoff game at Keystone Arena against an opponent to be determined next Tuesday night. It is the second consecutive season, the Golden Bears have earned a playoff spot and the 16th time in women's basketball history Kutztown has qualified for the playoffs.
However, the victory wasn't secured until Cheyney's desperation 3-point heave with time expiring hit the rim and bounced harmlessly to the floor. Kutztown finished 3-1 on its season-ending four-game road trip.
“It's a good feeling and I am really happy for our seniors,” junior forward Melissa McQuade (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler) said. “It's really exciting because our hard work paid off for us this season. Everybody was committed to making the playoffs and finishing as high as possible in the East when the season started.”
McQuade finished with 20 points to lead the Golden Bears (18-8 overall, 9-4 PSAC East). Chauntelle Schroeder (Toronto, Ontario, CANADA/Mother Teresa) added 16 points and Meredith Starr (Richmond, VA/Monacan) tied her career high with 14 points. She was 6-for-8 from the field. Vivian Melvin (Chichester, PA/Chichester) sparkled by scoring seven points, grabbing a team-high nine rebounds and handing out six assists. Kristen Murray (Harrisburg, PA/Trinity) came off the bench to score eight points and dish six assists.
Cheyney (9-16, 6-7) placed four players in double figures highlighted by Lutfiyya Muhammed's game-high 22 points. Angel Stephens and Stephanie Orji contributed 14 points and nine rebounds each for Cheyney. Charnelle Taylor tied her career high with 12 points.
This game was far from easy for the Golden Bears, who trailed 28-18, 11 minutes into the game. It was the second time this season that Kutztown trailed Cheyney by double digits in the first half. The Golden Bears eventually closed to 41-40 at intermission.
“We are happy to get a home playoff game,” Starr said. “I am just glad that this four-game road trip is over. This was like a playoff game because the crowd was into it and Cheyney really made us earn this victory. We were able to make a few adjustments in the second half and that helped us.”
Kutztown's largest lead of the game was 74-70 with 68 seconds remaining.
After Georgia Anderson gave Cheyney a 65-62 lead with 7:22 remaining, Kutztown's defense took control. Kutztown limited the Lady Wolves to two points over a six minute stretch. Cheyney's defense was just as tough as it didn't let Kutztown get too far in front.
The Golden Bears took the lead for good, 66-65, with six minutes remaining following a Starr jumper. Kutztown extended to a 70-67 lead on a Schroeder layup with 4:09 remaining.
“This means a lot to us because we finished third last year and we had to open on the road,” Schroeder said. “When the ball hit the floor at the end, it was the best feeling in the world. We knew when they got ahead early, we just had to remain patient and focus on getting stops.”
Kutztown closes its regular season with a home game against Bloomsburg Saturday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. Cheyney hosts Shippensburg also at 1 p.m.
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