In a battle of the top two teams in the PSAC West and a nationally ranked showdown between No. 5 Gannon and No. 8 Indiana (Pa.), the Crimson Hawks edged the Golden Knights, 68-63, on Saturday afternoon at the Highmark Events Center.
The loss snapped Gannon's 16-game winning streak, while IUP remained one of just four undefeated teams in NCAA Division II, improving to 15-0 on the season.
The matchup marked the first meeting between the two programs since the 2025 NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship, a game won by Gannon, 72-59 back on March 17, 2025 inside McComb fieldhouse.
Indiana (Pa.) created early separation in the first half with a 12–0 run, and each time the Golden Knights attempted to claw back, the Crimson Hawks responded with scoring runs to maintain control.
As the Golden Knights tried to claw back, the Crimson Hawks responded with scoring runs to hold control down the stretch.
Bri Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster) led all scorers with 21 points for the Golden Knights, knocking down three three-pointers. Mia Slater (Canberra, Australia/Canberra Grammar School) recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Kate Ratliff (Canal Winchester, Ohio/Canal Winchester) added 13 points. Ratliff and Tori Mayes (Lake City, Pa./Cathedral Prep) each collected three steals to anchor Gannon's defensive effort.
Indiana (Pa.) finished the contest shooting 52.4 percent from the field, while Gannon was held to 33.3 percent shooting. Despite the shooting disparity, the Golden Knights remained within striking distance throughout and outscored the Crimson Hawks 20-19 in the fourth quarter.
THE GAME FACTS
Score: Indiana (Pa.) 68, Gannon 63
Records: Gannon 17-2 (9-1 PSAC), Indiana (Pa.) 15-0 (9-0 PSAC)
Location: Highmark Events Center – Erie, Pa.
Date: January 17, 2026
THE KNIGHT CAP
- Top-10 Clash: Featured a matchup between the top two teams in the PSAC West and two nationally ranked programs.
- Claxon Leads the Way: Bri Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster) scored a game-high 21 points, including three makes from beyond the arc.
- Double-Double: Mia Slater (Canberra, Australia/Canberra Grammar School) posted 13 points and 10 rebounds for her double-double performance.
- Defensive Pressure: Ratliff and Mayes each recorded three steals as Gannon forced 14 turnovers.
- Streak Snapped: The loss ended Gannon's 16-game winning streak and marked its first PSAC defeat of the season.
- PSAC 75 Celebration: During halftime, the Golden Knights recognized their nine PSAC 75 honorees.
- Welcome Back Women's Basketball Alumni: Cleve Wright's squad welcomed back program alumni during the nationally ranked matchup.
Up Next
Gannon returns to action on Saturday, January 24, when it travels to Johnstown, Pa., for a PSAC road matchup against Pitt-Johnstown. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.
This story was written using the support of AI.
