HIRAM, Ohio -- The Thiel College women's basketball team battled hard on the road Wednesday night at Hiram College but ultimately came up just short in a 72-69 Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) defeat.
Thiel drops to 6-14 overall (1-10), as the Terriers pick up another conference win and advance to 7-13 (4-7).
In the first quarter, Thiel pushed the pace and took several early leads, with multiple baskets from
Emily Betsinger (Indiana, Pa./Indiana),
Kayley Risser (Reynoldsville, Pa./Dubois Central Catholic), and
Issy Green (Slippery Rock, Pa./Portersville Christian) helping Thiel stay competitive. The Tomcats shot 11-for-16 from the field to take the 27-20 advantage early.
Hiram took control of the second, shooting 39% compared to Thiel's 29% from the floor. Unable to hit key threes, the Tomcats slowed down on the offense and were down 38-36 at the half.
The Terriers came out the half remaining consistent as Thiel struggled to come back, only shooting 33% from the field. However, the Tomcats stayed neck and neck with Hiram, allowing zero three-point opportunities and only four baskets in the paint.
Thiel began to rally in the fourth as they shot 10-for-21 from the field led by Betsinger. Risser and Green hit key threes early in the quarter to get the Tomcats back to first quarter play.
The Tomcats pulled within one possession multiple times from layups from Green, but Hiram answered late with key free throws in the final seconds.
Green led the Tomcat offense with a near triple-double, scoring 25 points, grabbing nine boards and eight assists.
Betsinger was right behind Green with 20 points and nine rebounds, as Risser put up 12 points, grabbed eight boards, and three steals.
Thiel returns home on Saturday, Feb 7 as they host the Saint Vincent Bearcats at 1 p.m. on Maenpa Court in Beeghley Gymnasium.
