Lady Pioneers fall in overtime

Mercyhurst North East rallied from a 15-point second half deficit and defeated Alfred State College 65-63 in overtime.  A-State falls to 15-8 (6-4 WNYAC & 6-2 Region III Division II) while Mercyhurst North East improves to 12-15 (5-6 WNYAC).

The Lady Pioneers led 29-22 at half but pushed the lead to 43-28 with 11:33 remaining.  MNE went on a run and eventually tied the game at 54-54 with 1:55 remaining.  The teams traded baskets and turnovers in closing minutes of regulation.  The Saints had the final two shots in regulation but couldn't capitalize.

In overtime, each team had opportunities but the game remained tied at 63-63 with 43 seconds remaining.  Mercyhurst missed a jumper and Alfred State seemed to be able to hold for the final shot but turned the ball over.  With nine seconds left Perrial Pearson hit a turn-around jumped to give the Saints the lead.  ASC rushed the ball down the court but turned it over again.  A-State had one last chance with .2 seconds remaining after a MNE turnover but was able to get a shot off.

Anthia Smith (Elmira Free) led Alfred with 21 points and 12 rebounds while Sherelle Brooks (Elmira Free) finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.  Tiffany McLaughlin (Wellsville) finished with 11 points, DeSaundra Carr (Boys & Girls) added seven, and Sarah Flint (Westmoreland) had six points and six boards.

Pearson led the Saints with 26 points, 13 rebounds, six blocks, and four steals in 45 minutes of play.  Sonjia Hoston was the only other player in double-figures, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

ASC shot 28.6% (20 for 70) from the field and 65.7% (23 for 35) from the foul line while MNE shot 42.2% (27 for 64) from the field and 41.7% (10 for 24) from the line.  Mercyhurst turned the ball over 29 times while A-State had 25. 

The Lady Pioneers return to action on Thursday when they host Genesee CC at 5:30 p.m. in their final home game of the season.