MANSFIELD, Pa. -- Kutztown University women's basketball couldn't overcome its worst shooting night of the season, as Mansfield upset the PSAC East leaders, 46-40, Wednesday night.
The Golden Bears jumped out to an 18-14 lead after a quarter behind six of
Rylee Derr's (Lititz, Pa./Warwick) team-high 14 points, but the visitors went cold over the final 24 minutes.
KU made no more than two field goals in any of the final three quarters was just 1-of-23 from 3-point range during that time.
Despite going more than 13 minutes without a bucket and missing their first 11 shots of the fourth quarter, the Golden Bears (8-9, 6-4 PSAC) were still within four, 42-38, with 1:50 to play following a quick 5-0 run that saw
Karen Lapkiewicz (Southampton, Pa./Saint Basil Academy) drill a three and Derr score on a layup. Kutztown would get no closer, misfiring on its last five shots.
Mansfield (1-12, 1-9) broke through for its first win of the season while shooting just 32.6% (15-of-46) in the game. Mia Leonard's double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Noelle Cameron's 12 boards allowed the Mountaineers to own a 46-37 edge on the glass.
Derr was the only Golden Bear to score in double figures, but finished 4-of-21 from the floor. The sophomore wasn't alone in her struggles. KU shot a combined 12-of-65 (18.5%) overall and 4-of-30 (13.3%) from downtown.
Kutztown, which ranked 48th in NCAA Division II in free throw percentage coming into play Wednesday, increased its efficiency with a 12-of-14 night (85.7%). Derr was 4-of-4, while Lapkiewicz,
Alexis Smith (Dauphin, Pa./Central Dauphin) and
Gabbi Wright (Elkins Park, Pa./Cheltenham) were each perfect on two attempts.
Derr also led the Maroon and Gold with eight rebounds, while Wright totaled eight points and five boards.
Brianna Tarabocchia (Woodcliff Lake, N.J./Northern Valley Regional (Saint Peter's)) had six points and Lapkiewicz five.
Paige Whitfield dropped a game-high 15 points for Mansfield.
Kutztown returns to Keystone Arena on Saturday evening at 6 to face Millersville.
