WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The Kutztown University women's basketball team took on one of the best teams in the conference on Saturday afternoon. In Hollinger Fieldhouse, the home court of West Chester University, Kutztown fell 76-52 in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) game.
The Golden Bears (1-1, 1-1 PSAC East) received double-digit scoring efforts from
Natalya Lee (Feasterville, Pa./Rancocas Valley Regional) (13) and
Advia Campbell (Mount Laurel, N.J./Lenape) (12). Campbell notched her first double-double of the season with 13 rebounds in 25 minutes.
Shooting percentages played a significant role in Saturday's contest. Kutztown shot just 26 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from the free throw line, while West Chester posted a 38.2 field goal percentage with a 69.6 free throw percentage. Turnovers also fell in favor of the Golden Rams, 22-14.
West Chester's advantages in field goal percentage and turnovers got it out to a 17-4 lead midway through the first half. Kutztown was limited to 2-for-13 in the opening nine minutes and was forced into six turnovers to West Chester's one.
Kutztown mounted a late run at the end of the half by pressing full court and forcing West Chester to take bad shots and turn the ball over. KU went on a 9-3 run in the final 2:21, capped with a layup by Campbell at the buzzer, and held West Chester to without a field goal and three turnovers. KU trailed 35-24 at the break.
The start of the second half fell in West Chester's favor though, as the Golden Rams scored 15 of the first 20 points to take a 50-31 lead five minutes into the second half. A 15-0 run later in the half gave West Chester a 32-point advantage and sealed the decision.
Chikisha Steele-Hook led West Chester with 18 points and 17 rebounds with two three-pointers in 23 minutes. Brittany Sicinski scored 13 points and was one of five Golden Rams to score in double figures. Dallas Ely, Anna Kuntz and Serifat Junaid all finished with 10 points.
The Golden Bears aim to get back on track with a non-conference game against Chestnut Hill College on Monday, Nov. 24 at Keystone Arena beginning at 5:30 p.m.
