Junior Jess Conant (Canton, ME) had a career high of 29 points last Thursday night to keep the PSU Panthers in the game with Salem State University in an intense double overtime match up. Sadly, PSU came up short in the final minutes to lose, 78-75.

The teams went back and forth during regulation, neither team getting a lead more than ten. The first over time quarter had SSU leading by four but was shortly followed with a six-point run that gave PSU the upper hand with less than 40 seconds remaining. The Vikings threw perfect free throws up to tie the game and giving the Panthers a chance with 17 seconds left to win it all. Conant was the last to make a play and drive to the hoop but SSU shut her down, bringing us into double OT.

The Panthers came out strong with a lead of three from freshman Elizabeth McLaughlin’s (Melvin Village, NH) point at the line and Conant’s jumper. With some back and forth points being traded, sophomore Jes Brown knocked

down a three to give the Vikings a 75-73 lead. Conant pushed the ball to the hoop for a lay-up to once again tie the score at 75-75.

The Panthers had a chance at a three, but the shot didn’t fall and was picked up by the Vikings to score for the lead. Panther’s couldn’t find a shot to take the win and lost the long battle.

PSU and SSU were fairly tied in rebounding and assists. However, PSU’s 22 turnovers and being out- scored from the bench points, 35-9, tacked on to PSU’s devastating loss.

Along with Conant's career-high of 29 points, she also added another 11 rebounds. McLaughlin scored herself her third double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds.

The Women took on Eastern Connecticut two days later where they would fall 75-56. Conant continued her hot season going 7-14 from the field, recording a total of 18 points. She also had 4 rebounds and 2 assists while stealing a ball and sending back a shot. Junior Debra Morrill (Concord, N.H.) led the team with 9 rebounds.

PSU goes to 3-6 overall for their season. The women’s team will return to the court Saturday December 16th to play Johnson State College at home. Tipoff is set for 1 pm.