The Gannon University women’s basketball team defeated Clarion University, 77-57, Wednesday at home and whipped the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, 84-54, Saturday on the road to complete its first 2-0 week in over a month.
Saturday’s win clinched a berth in the PSAC Tournament for the fourth straight year and wrapped up a postseason playoff spot for the 18th time in the last 19 years overall.
The Knights improved to 15-7 overall and 13-5 in PSAC play going into Wednesday’s 5:30 p.m. matchup against Seton Hill in Greensburg.
Gannon, which climbed one spot in the Atlantic Region poll to No. 7 this week, is tied for second in the PSAC West with Indiana, Pa., one-half game behind front-running California (Pa.) and two games in front of fourth-place Edinboro.
The Knights held the Golden Eagles of Clarion to 35 percent shooting for the game, including 17 percent from behind the 3-point line, and dominated the rebounding battle 47-31, spurring its advantage in the paint by a score of 42-26.
Senior Jenny Thies recorded her fourth straight double-double, registering 17 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Sophomore McKenna Shives added 20 points, including five 3-pointers, while senior Morgan Neighbors filled up the box score with 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Gannon proceeded to go on the road to Johnstown Saturday and did not skip a beat.
The Knights jumped out to a 26-8 first quarter lead and never looked back. Gannon used 52 percent shooting to bolster its attack, while holding UPJ to 31 percent shooting for the game.
Thies continued her streak of double-doubles, contributing 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
Shives came out firing, scoring 11 of her 16 points in the first half. Senior LaShawna Gatewood added a career-high 10 points and four rebounds off the bench.
The Knights dominated points off turnovers (22-10), points in the paint (36-20), and bench points (31-10).
Gannon brings a 5-1 series edge over Seton Hill entering Wednesday’s game, with the first loss to the Griffins coming earlier this season.
The Knights will not play this weekend, and their next action following Wednesday’s matchup with Seton Hill will come at home on Feb. 17 against California (Pa.).
MAX SENG
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