HUNTINGDON, PA – The Juniata women's basketball team fought their way back into the game in the fourth quarter against Christopher Newport Saturday afternoon, but the Captains ultimately hung on to take the victory 58-51.
A strong 10-run in the first quarter gave Juniata a 17-9 lead with 2:34 to play. CNU took a timeout and then immediately responded to make it a two-point game. After making a bucket as the shot clock expired, the Captains tied the game up at 17 with 6:40 to play in the half. They would go on to take the lead and went into halftime with a 30-27 edge.
Juniata's defense shut down CNU early in the third quarter, allowing the offense to make some shots and get the game tied at 31 on a shot from Bri Wasser (Ebensburg, PA / Central Cambria). The Captains stole the momentum from the game and went on a 7-0 run that forced a Juniata timeout. At the end of three, the score was 41-36 CNU.
The Eagles briefly held the lead twice in the fourth quarter, both times off shots from Dani Atkinson (Lancaster, PA / Lancaster Catholic). CNU responded each time and would capitalize on several Juniata turnovers to maintain the lead and possession of the ball.
Atkinson finished the game with 13 points and four assists. She was named to the all-tournament team, along with teammate Natalie Hager (Franklin, PA / Franklin). Hager finished the game with 19 points, five rebounds and one assist.
Juniata finished the game with a 46.7 shooting percentage and held the advantage in points off turnovers (24-21).
The Captains averaged 71.3 points per game coming into the tournament and were held to just 58 points by the Eagles.
Juniata reenters conference play against the Drew Rangers Sat. Jan. 2 at 4pm following the men's game at 2pm.