JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Kutztown University women's basketball team used an 18-2 run in the second half on Saturday en route to an impressive 81-77 victory at Pitt-Johnstown in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) crossover contest inside the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center.
 
Following a back-and-forth first half, Kutztown (2-5, 1-2 PSAC) trailed at intermission, 32-29. Pitt-Johnstown (4-2, 1-2) started out the third quarter on a 7-5 run, but the Golden Bears controlled the rest of the period.
 
KU was trailing 47-39 at the 3:47 mark in the third period, but went on an impressive 18-2 spurt in the next 5:30 of action to give it a commanding eight-point lead, 57-49, with just over eight minutes to play in the game.
 
Senior guard Jenna Altomare (Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa./State College Area) scored nine of her 22 points during the run and the Golden Bears forced six turnovers.
 
The Mountain Cats managed to fight back in the fourth quarter, but Kutztown held on for its first PSAC win of the season, 81-77.
 
Forward Alex Heck (Willow Grove, Pa./Archbishop Wood (Philadelphia U.)) led the Golden Bears on Saturday with team-highs of 23 points (8-16 FG, 7-9 FT), 10 rebounds and four steals. It was her second double-double of the season.
 
Altomare scored 22 points (5-9 FG, 3-5 3PT, 9-10 FT) in the victory. Her nine free-throw makes and 10 attempts were both career-highs. Altomare extended her streak of consecutive games with a 3-pointer to 31.
 
Freshman Sierra Taylor (Williamstown, N.J./Camden Catholic) tied her season-high with 15 points (6-6 FT), while adding a season-best five rebounds and four assists. Senior Kelsey Watson (Collegeville, Pa./Methacton) was KU's fourth and final player to score in double-figures as she contributed with 11 points (5-6 FT).
 
Sophomore guard Taylor Thames (Colmar, Pa./North Penn) played a pivotal role off the bench for the Golden Bears, posting six points, three rebounds, three assists and a career-high four steals. Saturday marked the third-consecutive game that Thames recorded at least three steals. Keifonna Ferguson (Norristown, Pa./Norristown Area) also played well, contributing four points and eight rebounds.
 
Victoria Moreland posted a team-high 23 points and five 3-pointers for Pitt-Johnstown, while Olivia McCabe recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Jamie Tabon also contributed for the Mountain Cats with 17 points and seven rebounds.  
 
KU and UPJ were similar in several statistical categories, but the Golden Bears forced 24 turnovers, while committing only 15. KU also had 12 steals in the victory and recorded 26 points off turnovers to just 13 for the Mountain Cats.
 
The Golden Bears return home to host Bowie State on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. in a non-conference matchup inside Keystone Arena.