Scranton, PA (1-28-10) - In a game that featured 11 first half lead changes and six ties, the Giants and Pacers appeared evenly matched as the teams battled on the hardwood. However, a three plus minute Marywood run midway through the second half proved the difference, as the Pacers built a double digit lead and then withstood a Keystone rally to take the CSAC women's contest, 65-57.
With the victory Marywood moves to 12-4 overall and 6-1 in the CSAC, while Keystone falls to 4-13 and 2-8.
The teams traded the lead in what seemed nearly every possession in the opening half, as the largest lead for either team was a five point margin for the Pacers.
Keystone broke out first, building a modest three-point lead before the Pacers took a 21-16 lead with 7:08 left in the opening half. A Sarah Barreto three, followed by another jumper by Barreto and an Ellen Fallon field goal gave the Giants the lead back at 23-21 at the 4:46 mark. The Pacers would finish off the half on a 9-3 run.
Marywood came out quickly in the second half building their advantage to ten. With just over 14 minutes to play the Pacers increased their lead to 53-37. Still holding a comfortable margin at 58-43 with 6:55 to play, the Pacers saw the Giants make a game of it once again.
Fallon started things with a field goal before Yasmeen Bates and Fallon knocked down four straight free throws. Melinda Moore would add a pair of lay-ups around a Barreto jumper as the Giants pulled to within five at 60-55 with 2:50 to play. Unfortunately the hill was too big to climb as Keystone would get no closer.
Moore paced the Giants with a 16-point night, while Barreto added 15. Fallon chipped in with a dozen.
Bates pulled in a game high 13 rebounds, while Fallon also grabbed eight.
Lizzy Green led all scorers with 25 points for the Pacers.
Keystone will return to action on Tuesday February 2 at 7pm when they travel out of conference for a game at Penn State Berks.
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