Beaver Battles but Falls Late to Miami-Hamilton in USCAA Quarterfinal

Buffalo, NY - Penn State Beaver saw its season come to a close with a 71–66 loss to Miami-Hamilton on March 4, 2026 at the Flickenger Center. The Lions (22–6) stayed within striking distance throughout, but Miami-Hamilton (14–7) used a steady edge at the foul line and a late push in the fourth quarter to secure the five-point win. Beaver finished shooting 41.9% from the field and won the rebounding battle 53–41, yet 25 turnovers and a 10-of-17 day at the stripe proved costly in a tight game.

Miami-Hamilton set the tone early, taking the first quarter 16–13 as Beaver worked to settle in offensively. The Lions generated extra chances with offensive rebounds, but early giveaways limited how much they could capitalize. In the second quarter, both teams found more rhythm, yet Miami-Hamilton again edged the frame 19–17 to carry a 35–30 lead into halftime. Beaver's defense kept the margin manageable, but Miami-Hamilton's ability to get to the line helped it maintain control despite cold shooting from the floor.

Beaver made its best move coming out of the break, winning the third quarter 16–14 to trim the deficit to 49–46 entering the final period. The Lions continued to control the glass and got key contributions from the bench to stay close. In the fourth, the teams traded scores, but Miami-Hamilton's 22-point quarter narrowly outpaced Beaver's 20, and the difference ultimately came down to late free throws and possession margin—Miami-Hamilton attempted 34 free throws to Beaver's 17, while Beaver's turnovers repeatedly interrupted potential tying or go-ahead possessions.

Penn State Beaver dropped a 71–66 decision to Miami-Hamilton on March 4 at the Flickenger Center after a tight game that swung late. Beaver trailed 35–30 at halftime, briefly gained ground in the third quarter (outscoring 16–14), and entered the fourth still within striking distance before being edged 22–20 in the final period. The Lions shot 41.9% (26-of-62) and hit 4-of-12 from three, but 25 turnovers and 10-of-17 free-throw shooting proved costly despite a major rebounding advantage (53–41), including 15 offensive boards.

Cashimere Ralph powered Beaver off the bench with a huge double-double—18 points on 7-of-11 shooting and 18 rebounds—while also adding 6 assists and a block in 23 minutes. Bailey Rieg logged all 40 minutes and led the starters with 15 points, knocking down 3-of-6 from deep, though she also had 6 turnovers. Ny'Ashia Barnes added 11 points with two steals in 36 minutes. Katie Enderle contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals, and Jaden Tesch chipped in 6 points and 6 rebounds (including 4 offensive) in 19 minutes. Taylor Woodruff posted 6 points and 6 boards, while Caitlyn O'Hara finished with 2 points and 4 rebounds. Eve Pfeiffer provided 3 rebounds and 2 assists, and Claudia Siegfried recorded an assist in limited action.

In the end, Penn State Beaver did enough in effort areas—especially rebounding—to give itself a chance, and its third-quarter surge nearly flipped the game. But Miami-Hamilton's advantage at the free-throw line and Beaver's turnover total were the deciding factors in a five-point finish. Despite the loss, Beaver's 22-win season and the fight shown in a back-and-forth postseason game underscored a team that consistently competed, defended, and battled on the boards until the final horn.

The Lady Lions will play in a consolation game on March 5th at 1pm against Kent State Tuscarawas before their season fully comes to a close. For all things Penn State Beaver Women's Basketball go to beaverathletics.com and we can't wait to see you all back in the Beaver Fieldhouse next season!