Eagles Battle Back to Defeat Susquehanna 61-47

SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Juniata women's basketball team used a 10-2 run at the beginning of the second half to slingshot themselves past Susquehanna University 61-47 on the road Wednesday night.  Juniata (17-7, 8-5 Landmark) went from trailing the Crusaders by one at the half, to leading by as much as 14 points.

Senior Jordan Speck (Huntingdon, Pa./Southern Huntingdon) finished with a team-high 18 points and junior Kate McDonald (Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa./State College Area) grabbed a game and career-high 19 rebounds.

A jumper by McDonald two minutes into the second half jumpstarted the comeback.  But it was fueled by the Eagles defense that held Susquehanna scoreless for four minutes.

The Crusaders pulled within three (42-39) with 10:25 on the clock, but Juniata responded with an 11-2 run to go ahead by 13 (54-41).  Again the defense stepped up, holding Susquehanna scoreless for another three minutes.  Juniata would not allow them any closer than nine points down the stretch.

Susquehanna was led by Gina Palazzi who finished with a game-high 20 points and team-high 15 rebounds.

Juniata finally returns home after a three-game road trip to face Drew University this Saturday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m.  The Eagles are 10-1 all-time against Drew.  Juniata defeated the Rangers 73-53 when the teams met back on January 12.  Saturday will be senior day and the Eagles Annual Pink Game.  Breast Cancer survivors are invited to attend the game for free courtesy of the women's basketball program. Each survivor in attendance will also receive a free gift bag while supplies last.

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