Bethlehem, PA - February 5, 2025: The Drew University Rangers rallied in the 4th period and outlasted the Moravian University Greyhounds in overtime Wednesday night at Johnston Hall to win 62-58 in a women’s Landmark Conference basketball matchup. It was the second time this season that Drew defeated Moravian.
Moravian led for most of the game and was up by 10 points at the half. In the second half, Drew’s defense tightened up and Moravian’s shots were more contested. Drew outscored Moravian by ten in the second half to match the halftime lead.
In the 4th period with about 29 seconds to go in the game, Drew took the lead 49-47 on two free throws by Amy Rachilla (4). Moravian, with about 8 seconds left on the clock, tied it up when Emma Pukszyn (14), a freshman from Bethlehem Liberty High School, drove for a layup. The basket would send the contest into overtime.
In the extra period, both teams struggled early until Ellie Wallbillich (5) drove for a layup to give Moravian the lead 51-49. Drew’s Olivia Aliotta (23) then hit a 3-pointer to put Drew up 52-51 with about three minutes left. Lanie Herbert (20) then put Moravian back ahead with a layup before Drew’s Maddie Beyer (2) hit a 3-pointer to give Drew the lead 55-53. Rachilla hit a couple free throws to make it 57-53 with about 30 seconds left. Moravian answered when Juliana Vassallo (22) hit a jump shot to pull within two followed by a Ellie Wallbillich (5) steal and Vassallo 3-pointer which now put Moravian ahead 58-57 with 19 seconds left. Drew’s Beyer would answer with a 3-pointer of her own to put Drew back up 60-58. Rachilla would hit two more free throws to secure the win for Drew.
Moravian was led by senior Sam Osorio (1), who had 15 points and 7 rebounds, and sophomore Lanie Herbert (20), who had 13 points and 13 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Moravian’s Juliana Vassallo (22) added 9 points while freshman Ellie Wallbillich (5), a local Pen Argyl High School graduate, added 8 points and had 6 rebounds. Drew was led by Amy Rachilla (4) who had 14 points and 5 rebounds.
As a team, Moravian shot 39.7% from the field compared to Drew’s 31.7%. Moravian also out-rebounded Drew 49 to 35 and outscored Drew in the paint 30 to 16.
Moravian fell to 5-15 overall and 3-10 in the Landmark Conference while Drew improved to 12-8 overall and 7-6 in the Landmark.
