ALTOONA, Pa. - La Roche College dominated the glass by a 53-36 margin, turning 18 offensive rebounds into 19 second-chance points, and limited Penn State Altoona to just 16-of-63 shooting (25.4%) as the visiting Redhawks handed the Lions their third Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference loss of the season, 58-50, Saturday afternoon at the Adler Gym.

Both teams struggled at the outset, and Altoona managed just 6-of-26 field goal shooting in the first half, yet only trailed 27-18 at intermission.  The Lions were 2-of-16 on the day from 3-point range and didn't help themselves at the charity stripe either, making just 16-for-27 at the line.

La Roche wasn't much better but used superior athleticism and timely baskets to keep the hosts at bay.  Jaquaylla Kessler, hampered with foul trouble most of the game, finished with 18 points, while Ashley Heakins added 14 and nine rebounds.  Cheronda Ransaw chipped in 11 off the bench and joined Angel Daniels with 12 boards apiece.

The Lions got 18 points from Courtney Carroll (Altoona, PA/Bishop Guilfoyle) and received 15 more from Alicia Glasser (Marion Center, PA/Marion Center).  Altoona hung around in large part thanks to turnovers, forcing 18 La Roche miscues but converting only 11 points off those giveaways.

Trailing by double figures most of the second half, Penn State Altoona used a late 6-0 spurt to widdle the deficit down to 51-45 with under two minutes remaining.  Ransaw answered with a jumper and the teams traded points down the stretch before two late Glasser free throws set the final.

The Redhawks, which never trailed in the game, led by as many as 15 in the opening half.  Altoona didn't score its 10th point until a Linzie Stahl (Hollidaysburg, PA/Hollidaysburg) free throw with 7:59 left in the period.  The Lions did close the half on a 5-0 run all courtesy of Carroll, who made three foul shots and a lay up.

La Roche steadily rebuilt its lead to begin the second half and found itself up 43-28 almost midway through.  The victors shot 37% from the floor (20-of-54), 25% from beyond the arc (3-of-12), and only 15-of-25 at the foul line.

Penn State Altoona (11-6, 9-3) will host non-conference foe Lycoming College this Monday, February 2, at 6:00 PM at the Adler Gym.