WILKES-BARRE, PA (November 23, 2024) -- A shot as time expired came up shy as the King's College women's basketball team dropped a 59-56 decision to Gwynedd Mercy on Saturday afternoon in McGrane Gymnasium. With the setback, the Monarchs fall to 2-3, while the Griffins improve to 3-2.
 
The opening minutes of the contest featured three lead changes and two ties with neither leading by more than a bucket as Gwyendd Mercy (3-2) came out with a 12-10 edge at the end of the first. A layup from Lauren Casey and back-to-back threes from Cadie Lewis put the Monarchs up, 18-15, but the Griffins went on a tear to end the half as King's (2-3) faced a 26-18 deficit at halftime.
 
King's chipped away at the deficit after trailing by 11, 31-20, with 7:23 remaining in the third, as they scored 11 unanswered, including five by Gianna Dickson, to tie the game, 31-31, with 5:12 to play in the frame. The Griffins responded, knotting the score at 37 with 1:25 in the quarter before tallying the final three points to take a 40-37 lead heading into the final quarter.
 
Gwynedd Mercy seemed to have the game in hand, but trialing 52-44 with 4:36 to play, the Monarchs staged their comeback. A three-point play by Lewis kick started a 9-5 run to pull within 57-53 with 1:37 left. The Griffins hit 2-of-4 from the stripe before Alli Lindsay drained a three with 18 seconds remaining to close within 59-56. Another empty trip to the free-throw line by Gwynedd Mercy set up the exciting ending, but the Monarchs came up just shy as they fell, 59-56, on Saturday afternoon.
 
Lewis led the team with 12 points, seven boards, and two helpers, while Kathy Shepherd came off the bench to add 12 with a steal and a block. Casey had 10 points with eight boards and two helpers, while Lindsey tallied nine points, eight caroms, and five dimes. Additionally, Juleesah Hines collected seven rebounds in the setback.
 
Gwynedd Mercy was led by Alexis Eagan with 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
 
King's had a solid 13 assists on their 19 baskets in the game, while the defense forced 11 Griffins turnovers while limiting their foes to 28.6% (6-21) from beyond the arc.
 
The Monarchs are back in action on Tuesday evening as they make the short trip across town to take on Wilkes University in non-conference play. Tip off is set for 6:00 p.m. in the Marts Center.