Clinton, NY – A desperation 3-point attempt from Lauren Pluchino (Liverpool, NY) drifted off target in the final possession as the Clarkson University Women’s Basketball team came up short against Hamilton College, 63-60, in Liberty League action Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Knights fell to 6-17 overall and 2-10 in Liberty League games, while Hamilton moved to 14-8 and 7-5.

In the first meeting between the two teams, Clarkson struggled with the Continentals’ full-court pressure. However, the Knights were able to handle Hamilton’s defense and saw their turnover number drop precipitously. The reduction proved to be valuable, as Clarkson was able to stick with Hamilton in the early going, and ended the half on a 9-2 run in the final 3:35, thanks to five points from Lauren Pluchino, giving the Knights a 30-21 edge at the half.

In the second half, Hamilton quickly came back to reduce the gap, but couldn’t completely overtake the Knights. The Continentals tied the score at 41-41, but Clarkson quickly responded and regained a modest advantage. Hamilton held a one-point lead on a jumper by Alex Sowinski at 6:41, but again Clarkson refused to let the Continentals make an extended run. Finally, a 3-pointer from Blue Sanders and a free throw from Reisa Asimovic tied the game up 58-58 with just over three minutes remaining, setting up the volatile final moments.

Tied 60-60 with less than two minutes remaining, Eliza Howe converted a layup and a free throw for Hamilton, and with 1:06 to go, the Continentals owned a three-point advantage, their first full possession lead since the opening minutes of the contest. Clarkson was unable to produce another point in its final two possessions.

Senior forward Michelle Reddinger (Baldwinsville, NY) had her fifth double-double of the season with 21 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Knights. In the process, Reddinger became just the eighth player in Clarkson history to score 900 career points.

Pluchino added nine points and Morgan Carella (Roslyn Heights, NY) scored eight points on flawless 8-for-8 shooting from the free throw line. Clarkson shot 25-for-28 (89.3%) from the free throw line.

Eliza Howe had 13 points for Hamilton, leading four scorers in double figures for the Continentals.