STEUBENVILLE - Franciscan women's basketball could not keep up with the Lions of Penn State Behrend in the second half, losing 71-59 at home.

The first half was perhaps the most competitive as the Lions and the Lady Barons traded baskets and the lead for the first 20 minutes of the game. However, Behrend held on to a three-point advantage going into halftime, up 32-29.

Penn State Behrend expanded its lead in the third quarter as multiple players knocked down three-point shots, giving the Lions a 10-point lead halfway through the quarter.

With two minutes remaining in the game, sophomore point guard Sarah Schriner hit a huge three-pointer to cut the Lady Lions lead down to seven points. However, Penn State Behrend was solid from the free throw line, sinking eight consecutive free throws to seal the win.

Sophomore center Lucia Westrick led the Lady Barons in both points and rebounds, grabbing her sixth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Iliana Gonzales was the second leading scorer with 13 points while Schriner added 12 points of her own. Senior guard Monica Dawyot was the second leading rebounder, pulling down six off the boards.  

Four Lions made their way into double digits as freshman forward Ali Goetz led her team with 23 points. Behrend's Erika Woll, Dani Reinwald and Rachael Razzano contributed 18, 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Behrend outshot the Lady Barons 43.8 percent (21-for-48) to 33.3 percent (22-for-66) as well as outrebounding them 43-32. However, Franciscan committed 12 less turnovers than the Lions and had eight more steals.

With the loss, the Lady Barons drop to seventh place in the AMCC at 5-9 in the conference and 6-14 overall with four games remaining. The top six teams at the end of the season win a spot in the postseason tournament. The Lady Barons are seeking the program's second appearance in the tournament.

The Lady Barons will host Penn State Altoona on Wednesday, February 10, for an 8 p.m. tip.