FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Pitt-Johnstown Holds off Mounties in Overtime

MANSFIELD – Tianna Jackson hit a 3-pointer with 11 seconds remaining to force overtime, but Pitt-Johnstown held off the Mountaineers 90-81 in a thriller Saturday afternoon at First Citizens Community Bank Court at Decker Gymnasium.

Becky Evans scored 17 of her career-high 20 points in the second half to lead the Mountaineers offensively. The sophomore hit four 3-pointers while dishing out a game-high six assists. Jackson also hit four treys for a season-best 19 points.

Katie Fitzpatrick registered a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards.

Jasmine Harper paced five Mountain Cats in double-figure scoring with her game-high 21 and also recorded a double-double with 11 boards. Anna Hollen darted her way to 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Pitt-Johnstown scored the first six points of the game but Mansfield stormed back to trail 8-6 at the midway point of the quarter after 3-pointers by Jackson and Melanie Taylor. UPJ held a 20-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Mountaineers closed within three points on an Evans trifecta four minutes into the second quarter then within one point two minutes later on a Megan McSwain triple. Mansfield then took its first lead of the game at 28-26 on a Jackson 3-pointer with 3:08 to play. The Mounties closed out the half with a 34-31 advantage.

In the second half, Mansfield conceded its lead after a 7-0 UPJ run. The Cats ended the quarter holding a 54-49 advantage.

UPJ led 59-51 with 8:27 to play in the game, but Mansfield used a 10-2 run capped by another Evans three to even the score. After four lead changes, UPJ held a 70-66 advantage with just 47 seconds remaining. Taylor's trey with 36 seconds left brought the game within one before a pair of Hollen free throws gave UPJ a three-point cushion. Jackson and Olivia Rizzo each traded free throws before Jackson nailed a triple to force overtime.

In overtime, The Cats built a six-point lead twice, but an Evans trey brought the Mounties within three with 46 seconds to play. However, Mansfield would be forced to foul the rest of the game and could not overcome its deficit.

Mansfield shot just 37.8% (28-74) from the floor in the game, but lit it up from outside, knocking down a season-best 45.8% (11-24) of 3-pointers. UPJ shot just 38.2% (29-76) from the field.

The Mountaineers host Shippensburg on Dec. 16 in PSAC East play.