Erie, PA – The Alfred State women's basketball team fell just short on the road against Penn State Behrend, 72–69. The Pioneers drop to 11–8 on the season and 6–4 in conference play.

Jordan Niles powered the Pioneers' offense with 19 points and eight rebounds while shooting an efficient 7-of-10 from the field. Emeline Barton recorded a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 11 boards. Taylor Benjamin contributed nine points, knocking down two of her four attempts from beyond the arc.

Two minutes into the game, Benjamin hit a three-pointer to open the scoring and give Alfred State an early 5–0 lead. The Lions responded, but another triple from Benjamin kept Behrend at bay as the Pioneers held a 16–9 advantage with 4:29 remaining in the first quarter. Niles closed out the opening frame with a layup to give Alfred State a 20–15 lead heading into the second.Penn State Behrend kept the game close throughout the second quarter, but the Pioneers maintained the lead. Niles capped the half with another layup, sending Alfred State into the locker room ahead 35–33.

The second half featured multiple lead changes during the third quarter. The Lions took control with 6:39 remaining in the period and held the advantage the rest of the way. Barton cut the deficit to two with a layup as ASC trailed 52–50 heading into the fourth.
Despite a late three-pointer from Niles that pulled Alfred State within three at 70–67, Penn State Behrend was able to close out the game at the free-throw line, handing the Pios a 72–69 loss.

The Pioneers return to the road for their next matchup against Carlow on Saturday, January 31st. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m.