The Penn State Shenango Women's Basketball team nearly erased a first-half deficit with a blazing third quarter, but came up just short in a 72-65 decision against Penn State York on December 5 at the Buhl Club. Shenango trailed 33-22 at the break before turning the game on its head with a 26-point third quarter, cutting the margin to 54-48 heading into the fourth and keeping the pressure on until the final seconds.

York struck first, but Shenango answered early with Gabrielle King scoring the Lions' first basket and adding a big defensive moment with a first-quarter block. After York took a 16-11 lead after one, Shenango stayed within reach behind timely makes from Samair Colon, including a three just before the buzzer in the first and another early in the second. Still, York's efficiency helped them build their advantage, and the Lions went into halftime looking for a spark.

That spark arrived immediately after the break. King opened the third quarter with back-to-back buckets, then knocked down two free throws to keep the momentum rolling. Colon caught fire from deep, drilling multiple threes in the third (including a key one at 7:20 and another at 2:49) as Shenango closed the gap possession by possession. Alyssa Crankfield added a strong two-way stretch—finishing through contact at the line late in the third—and Shenango's defense created chances with steals and rebounds that fueled the comeback run.

In the fourth, Shenango kept battling all the way to the horn. Kylie Krupp finished a nice assisted layup early, and Kimora Roberts delivered a clutch sequence late—scoring twice in the final 1:15 and then sinking two pressure free throws with 32 seconds left to make it a one-possession game at 67-65. Shenango had opportunities to tie, but York sealed it at the line in the closing seconds.

Top Shenango performers:

• Samair Colon: 20 points, 5 threes

• Gabrielle King: 12 points, 6 rebounds

• Kimora Roberts: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4-4 FT)

• Alyssa Crankfield: 12 points, 6 rebounds

• Kayla Owen: 4 assists, 2 steals

Shenango showed grit, toughness, and real shot-making in the second half—especially during that third-quarter surge—and that fight will carry forward as the Lions continue building momentum into the heart of the season.