Box Score Women's Basketball
#24 Lebanon Valley 66, Messiah 64

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GRANTHAM, Pa. - Freshman Lexie Lantz's layup with 1.9 seconds left lifted #24 Lebanon Valley to a 66-64 win over Commonwealth Conference rival Messiah.

In a rematch of last year's CC title game, the fans got their money's worth as the Dutchmen (5-1, 1-0 CC) ended the game on a 10-3 run to erase a five-point Falcon lead. Playing without starting post Caitlin Bach, LVC relied on Lantz to come through inside, and she had eight points and six boards in just 22 minutes limited by foul trouble.

Kiely Chaklos had a superb 16-point night on 6-of-10 shooting, including a game-changing four-point play with 3:41 left, and Peyton Carper was a spark off the bench with 14 points.

LVC had to overcome an outstanding night by Messiah's freshman center Gillian Glackin, who poured in 20 points - including all seven of her field goals with Lantz on the bench - to go with 11 boards. Taylor Miller hit 11 for the Falcons.

Lebanon Valley led nearly the entire first half on strong guard play and 57% shooting, including a 4-for-4 half by Chaklos, but Messiah found a 10-2 run early in the second to erase a seven-point halftime lead.

The game swung back and forth, but after Lantz picked up her fourth foul, Glackin controlled the post and put up 16 of her 20 points in the second half. That helped Messiah take its largest lead of the game at 61-56 when Miller made one of two free throws at the 5:04 mark.

In the end, it was defense that won the night for the Dutchmen, holding Messiah without a field goal in the final five minutes. After Chaklos' four-point play put LVC down two with 1:39 left, Lantz came in and picked up a key block on Glackin, and Lauren Ruhl drained a 16-footer at the other end to tie it 64-64. Miller and Sienna Wisse each missed shots inside the final minute, setting up LVC for a final shot off Lantz's defensive board.

With time ticking down, Taylor Umbrell got an open look on the far wing but air-balled it right into Lantz's hands; the freshman had an easy putback look to win it as Messiah didn't manage to get a clean shot off at the buzzer.

LVC will travel to Widener on Saturday.