Daytona Beach, FL – Despite a trio of players in double figures, the Clarkson University Women’s Basketball team came up short in its second day at the Land of Magic Classic, falling to Penn State Behrend 76-64 on Wednesday morning at the ICI Center.

The Golden Knights fell to 3-5 overall on the season and will return north for a home game against Cortland State on January 6th. The Behrend Lions moved to 4-4.

Clarkson trailed by just three points at halftime thanks to a decided rebound edge (27-14), but both teams struggled to maintain possession of the ball, combining for 26 turnovers. Following a 3-pointer from Lauren Pluchino (Liverpool, NY) with five minutes expired from the second half, the Knights were within two, 42-40, but Penn State Behrend responded with a 9-0 run over the next two minutes to take a double-digit lead. From that point on, Clarkson was held off by double figures, pulling as close as seven points late before finally succumbing by the final margin.

Sophomore guard Carey Turner (Clifton Park, NY) scored a career-high 21 points, shooting 8-for-14 from the floor and 4-for-4 from the free throw line, to lead the Knights offensively and recording her fourth straight game in double figures. Senior forward Michelle Reddinger (Baldwinsville, NY) added in 14 points and 9 rebounds while junior guard Lauren Pluchino contributed 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists before fouling out late.

Taylor Lotis led all scorers with 24 points and Amy Oldach added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Lions.