MANSFIELD – The Mansfield University women's basketball team returns home to host Bloomsburg on Saturday at First Citizens Community Bank Court in Decker Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
The Mounties dropped an 84-44 decision on the road Wednesday at Shippensburg.  Sydney Reed led the team, setting her career-highs of 11 points, and connecting on three 3-pointers.
 
After scoring 16 points through the first half of the season, Reed has scored 16 points to go with five rebounds and an assist in her last two outings, suggesting that the first-year is starting to figure out the rhythm of the collegiate style of play.
 
Another freshman, Autumn Hultberg, significantly contributed to the Mansfield offense on Wednesday.  The guard saw career-highs in points (6), rebounds (2), and blocks (1) while shooting 100% from the field (3-for-3).
 
Turnovers have been a concern for the Mounties, entering the weekend with 22 per game, however Mansfield edges Bloomsburg by averaging 6.87 steals per game. Center Mia Leonard also provides a solid defensive presence around the hoop, helping the Mounties to average 4.2 blocks per game, which ranks third in the conference.  Opposite of Leonard will be the Huskies' Taylor Montana, who ranks seventh in the PSAC with 7.6 rebounds per game.  

Mansfield will also benefit from the return of their leading-scorer Erin Gibbons, who has missed the last couple of games due to injury. 
 
Alyssa Mack and Emma Saxton lead the Huskies, each averaging 13.3 points per game. Both players have over 35 assists this season as well.  Saxton recorded a 30 point performance against Millersville, hitting a PSAC-high 14 field goals while shooting over 78% in 38 minutes of play.
 
The matchup brings two-sport standout, and Mansfield's All-Time Leading Scorer, Alison Tagliaferri back to Decker Gym. Tagliaferri has guided the Huskies to a 36-39 record in her three seasons at Bloomsburg. The Huskies and Mounties each took a win on the road last season, splitting their last two decisions in the matchup.
 
Live coverage of Friday's game, presented by Visit Potter-Tioga, will be available at GoMounties.com and on the PSAC Network apps.
 
Video: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/mansfield/
Live Stats: https://gomounties.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary