MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – Looking the end the semester in winning fashion, the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team did just that with a 68-62 victory over the Middlebury Panthers on Saturday afternoon.
Stephanie Linder had a hot hand in the first half for Plattsburgh State, helping to carry the Cardinals to a 36-31 halftime lead. Linder finished with 14 points, three rebounds, and three assists before fouling out late in the fourth quarter.
Devona Paul paced Plattsburgh State with 24 points and six boards, despite being in and out of foul trouble. Entering the contest, Paul need just 29 points to reach 1,000 for her career; a mark that will likely occur when the Cardinals travel to the Springfield Invitational after New Years.
In addition to Linder and Paul,
Allie Taylor and
Misha Green finished in double figures with 11 points each. Taylor added 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the season.
Plattsburgh State led 53-42 heading into the fourth. Middlebury pressured late and was able to cut the lead. But a late three pointer by Linder and a set of free throws from Paul sealed the deal for the Cardinals.
Catherine Harrison and Sarah Kaufman lead the Panthers in the losing effort. Harrison posted 18 points and 13 rebounds while Kaufman chipped in with 16 points and six boards.
With the win, the Cardinals improve to 5-2 and remain undefeated in non-conference play. Middlebury falls to 3-2 with the loss.
Plattsburgh State has wrapped up the first semester of play and will take a short break for the holiday season before making a trip to Springfield, Mass. for the Hampton Inn West Springfield/Naismith Classic on January 2nd.
