PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Plymouth State University women's basketball team defeated the Norwich University Cadets, 78-69, in a non-conference matchup at Foley Gymnasium on Friday night.
 
The Panthers controlled much of the game, leading by as many as 27 points in the third quarter and holding a 67-43 advantage heading to the fourth. Norwich mounted a late rally, trimming the deficit to eight, 75-67, with two minutes remaining, but Plymouth State held strong to secure the win.
 
Four Panthers posted double-digit scoring efforts. Senior Hailey Malozzi (Maynard, Mass.) led the way with 18 points, while classmates Sophie George (Meredith, N.H.) and Raegan Peck (Dudley, Mass.) added 14 and 12 points, respectively. Junior Ashley Stephens (Pembroke, N.H.) also reached double figures with 10 points in the home-opening victory.
 
With the win, Plymouth State remains undefeated at 4-0. Norwich drops to 2-1 after suffering its first loss of the season.
 
 
The Basics:

• Plymouth State 78, Norwich 69
  • Plymouth State (4-0)
  • Norwich (2-1)

Top Performers:

• Plymouth State
  • Hailey Malozzi (18 pts, 7-10 fg, 6 reb, 4 ast)
  • Sophie George (14 pts, 4-10 3pt, 4 ast)
  • Raegan Peck (12 pts, 4-9 3pt)
  • Ashley Stephens (10 pts, 4-8 fg, 5 reb)

How it Happened:

• PSU led 14-8 midway through the first quarter.
• The Panthers closed the opening frame with an 18-14 advantage.
• A 16-4 second-quarter run pushed the lead to a comfortable 42-24 heading into halftime.
• An 11-2 burst to start the third extended the margin to 53-26 with 7:01 left in the period.
• Norwich answered with an 8-2 run to cut the deficit to 55-34.
• PSU scored the final seven points of the third to take a 67-43 lead into the fourth.
• Norwich opened the final frame with a 14-4 run to make it 71-56 with 6:05 remaining.
• The Cadets narrowed the gap to 75-67 with 2:04, prompting a PSU timeout.
• Plymouth State steadied itself and closed out the game to stay unbeaten.

By the Numbers:

• PSU shot 28-of-68 (41.2%) from the field.
• The Panthers made 10 three-pointers; Norwich made 3.
• Norwich held a 44-39 advantage on the glass.
• PSU edged Norwich 11-9 in offensive rebounds.
• Bench points favored Norwich, 37-19.
• PSU dominated points off turnovers, 25-10.
• Plymouth State now leads the all-time series 13-6 dating back to 1989. This marks the Panthers' first win over Norwich since the 2019-20 season.

 
Up Next:

• PSU remains home to face VTSU Lyndon on Tuesday (Nov. 18) at 5 p.m.

 
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