IUP solves Cal on 3rd try

Mar 3, 2025 2 min read

By The Observer-Reporter

INDIANA – The third time was the charm for the Indiana University women’s basketball team.

Barely.

Indiana overcame a fourth-quarter deficit and had to withstand a last-second shot by California to beat the Vulcans 58-57 Monday night in the first round of the PSAC tournament at the Kovalchick Athletic Complex.

California (16-12) had swept the two regular-season meetings against IUP (21-6), including a 69-62 victory on the same court last Wednesday.

The Vulcans almost made it 3-for-3. A potential game-winning contested runner from the side of the lane by Cal’s Alicia Young bounced off the rim as time expired.

Indiana advances to the quarterfinals Wednesday and will play at Edinboro.

The Crimson Hawks led 30-28 at halftime and 44-41 after three quarters.

Cal fell behind by five points early in the fourth quarter before using an 8-0 run to take a 51-48 lead after a basket by Iyahnna Williams with 5:35 remaining. That, however, was the last field goal for Cal until the game’s final minute.

The Vulcans managed to stay ahead by making 13 of 16 free throws in the fourth quarter, after attempting only two in the first 20 minutes.

IUP battled back and took a 56-52 lead after a three-pointer by Shamia Strayhorn with 1:59 left.

Two free throws by Harris brought Cal to within 57-55, and Harris made one of two from the stripe to cut IUP’s lead to 58-57 with 37 seconds remaining.

IUP missed a shot but was able to get the offensive rebound. Following a timeout, the Crimson Hawks missed a three-pointer and Cal’s Allycia Young rebounded. That set up Harris’ final shot.

Strayhorn led IUP in scoring with 17 points. Nyshae Weaver had a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Young led Cal in scoring with 17 points, including three three-point field goals in the first half, and 12 rebounds. Harris had 14 points and Williams 13.