Towns Leads Gophers Against Susquehanna

SELINSGROVE, PA - Goucher Gophers (7-17 overall, 3-14 Landmark) opened the first game of their final stretch of the season on the road against the Susquehanna River Hawks (20-4 overall, 13-4 Landmark).

Susquehanna kicked off the contest with a seven-point scoring run. Aniya McDaniel broke the run with a jump shot, followed by a basket from Lauryn Towns. Nia George added points from the free-throw line, converting both attempts for the Gophers. The River Hawks pushed their lead to 12–6 before Towns knocked down a three-pointer. With 4:42 remaining in the quarter, Susquehanna extended its advantage to double digits, though Towns answered with another jump shot. McDaniel and Towns rounded out the scoring for Goucher as Susquehanna maintained control of the opening period.

The River Hawks opened the second quarter with the first basket before Chyanne Harris responded with a layup. Susquehanna followed with a six-point run, extending its lead. Savannah Holmes scored on a layup, and both teams settled into a defensive battle. Sanai Knox grabbed an offensive rebound and converted a layup for the Gophers. Susquehanna capitalized at the free-throw line before Leila Townsend hit a jump shot. Knox and Towns added two-point baskets, but the River Hawks closed the half strong, taking a 56–27 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the break, Susquehanna continued its momentum by scoring first. Towns and Townsend recorded the opening baskets of the half for Goucher. After another seven-point run by the River Hawks, George connected from beyond the arc. A two-minute scoring drought for the Gophers was stopped by a Townsend layup. McDaniel and Towns added the remaining points of the third quarter as Susquehanna carried a commanding 79–40 lead into the final frame.

The River Hawks opened the fourth quarter at the free-throw line before Nia Edens drilled a three-pointer. Logan Davis made both free throws, followed by a Holmes layup. Towns added a jump shot, and Townsend converted two more free throws. Susquehanna added five unanswered points before a brief scoring stalemate. Harris knocked down two three-pointers, and the River Hawks closed out the game with late scoring to secure a 99–57 victory.

Towns led the Gophers in scoring with 17 points. Townsend recorded a team-high three steals, while McDaniel and Towns tied for the team lead in rebounds with five apiece.

Susquehanna held the statistical advantage, shooting 55.2% from the field compared to Goucher's 31.9%. The Gophers went 6-10 from the free-throw line, while the River Hawks finished 12-16. From three-point range, Susquehanna shot 48.1%, compared to Goucher's 27.8%.

The Gophers return to action on Saturday, Feb. 21, against the Wilkes Colonels. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. in the final game of the season.