Novak Double-Double Not Enough in PSUAC Opener vs Hazleton

Penn State Schuylkill battled its way into the driver's seat in the second half but saw its PSUAC conference opener slip away late, falling 50–40 to Penn State Hazleton on Tuesday night in Schuylkill Haven. After trailing 20–16 at the half, the Lions dominated the third quarter 16–10 behind strong interior play from Ava Novak and Serena Jones, out-rebounding Hazleton and cleaning up the defensive glass. Novak finished with a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double on 7-for-16 shooting, while Jones added 12 points and 7 boards. Katelyn Otto and Alli Crockett were key in the paint as well—Otto posted 4 points, 7 rebounds, a steal and a block, and Crockett chipped in 5 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals off the bench.

Schuylkill's defense and rebounding turned the game in the third, as Novak's layups, a Johnson drive, and a Crockett finish helped erase the halftime deficit and eventually build a 32–30 lead heading to the fourth. The Lions stretched that advantage to 38–32 and later 40–36 with under six minutes remaining, using a 24–16 second-half rebounding edge and multiple deflections to keep Hazleton off balance. However, turnovers and free throws proved costly down the stretch. Despite a 44–32 edge on the glass and holding Hazleton to under 30% shooting most of the night, Schuylkill committed 38 turnovers and went 8-for-18 from the line, while Hazleton converted those miscues into points. The visitors closed the game on a 14–0 run over the final 5:12, fueled by attacking guard play from Lamarsha Wilson and timely buckets from Topaz Williams-Fripp, to steal the conference opener.

Penn State Schuylkill looks to bounce back quickly on Wednesday with a road test at NCAA Division II Kutztown, tipping off at 5:30 p.m. as part of a doubleheader with the men.