SELINSGROVE, PA (November 19, 2023) – The 2023 Susquehanna Tip-Off Tournament Championship game was a scrappy affair, with the hosting River Hawks taking on the 14th-ranked Bulldogs of DeSales on Sunday afternoon. The defenses turned in good performances and the teams would be separated by just a point at halftime, but ultimately DeSales pulled away in the second half to claim a 58-41 victory.
The defenses were locked in from the opening whistle, with just 13 combined points scored in the first quarter. Turnovers and foul troubles abounded for both squads throughout the day, resulting in a score of just 21-20 at the half. More shots began to fall in the second half, with DeSales scoring 18 points in the third quarter alone and adding another 19 in the fourth. SU would also better their first half total, scoring a combined 21 points after totaling 20 in the first half.
The River Hawks were led by a strong performance from sophomore guard Julia Pinckert, who scored a season-high 15 points on five of seven shooting, including a two-for-two game from three-point range. She would also come just one rebound shy of a double-double, leading the team with nine. She would be the only River Hawk in double-digit points, while three Bulldogs reached double-digits. SU would also out-rebound DeSales 37-31 but were hampered by 33 turnovers.
The All-Tournament Team was named following the game, with Destiny Battle from Saint Elizabeth and Lexi Troup from Penn College being selected from the Consolation game. Pinckert would earn the honor for SU, finishing the tournament with a total of 25 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Lindsey Welsh would be selected to the team from DeSales, while her teammate Mikaela Reese was named Tournament MVP.
Susquehanna will be right back in action at home on Tuesday evening, hosting York College of PA at 5 pm.
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--RIVER HAWKS--
