Weekend Ends in defeat

Penn State Hazleton 56, Penn State Fayette 45

November 22, 2025 – Hazleton, PA

Penn State Fayette battled throughout a defensive, grind-it-out conference matchup on Saturday afternoon, but a strong fourth quarter from Penn State Hazleton lifted the home team to a 56–45 victory at the Hazleton Gym. Fayette held Hazleton under 34% shooting, but turnovers and cold stretches on offense proved costly down the stretch.

First Half – Defensive Battle

Both teams opened the afternoon with aggressive defensive pressure, turning the first quarter into a physical, low-possession frame. Fayette's Savannah Walls carried the early scoring load with decisive drives and second-chance points, while the Lions' defense forced Hazleton into contested threes.

Hazleton leaned heavily on Topaz Williams-Fripp, who attempted an extraordinary 29 shots. Despite her volume, Fayette contained her well in the first half, holding her to one made three on 16 attempts for the game.

At halftime, Hazleton held a slim lead thanks to timely threes from Bry'Yasia Costen and strong rebounding inside from Aliya Tikhtova.

Third Quarter – Fayette Pushes Back

Fayette came out of the break with renewed energy, highlighted by key baskets from Reagan Rudder, who knocked down two threes and steadied the offense. Takiah Cheathon and Heaven Grumm were active on the glass, contributing to Fayette's 41–38 rebounding advantage.

A late-quarter three from Za'layah Edwards provided a much-needed spark off the bench, cutting the Hazleton lead to single digits and keeping Fayette within striking distance.

Fourth Quarter – Hazleton Secures the Win

In the final period, Hazleton found its rhythm. Costen and Williams-Fripp hit pressure threes, and Hannah Cook's strong playmaking (9 assists, 5 steals) became the difference-maker. Hazleton capitalized on Fayette turnovers—26 giveaways in total—turning defense into transition points.

Despite Fayette's defensive effort and a game-high 17 points from Savannah Walls, the offense struggled to generate consistent looks, shooting 37.5% from the field and just 4-of-14 from deep. Hazleton closed the game on a decisive run to seal the win.

Key Performers – Penn State Fayette

⭐ Savannah Walls – 17 pts, 8 rebs

Efficient and steady, kept Fayette in the game throughout.

⭐ Reagan Rudder – 15 pts, 3 threes, 3 rebs

Knocked down big perimeter shots to fuel Fayette's second-half push.

⭐ Heaven Grumm – 7 rebs, 2 stl

Impacted the game defensively despite a rare off shooting night.

Additional Contributions

• Takiah Cheathon – 8 rebs, 3 ast, 3 pts

• Za'layah Edwards – 3 pts, 2 stl off the bench

• Amari Wilkes – 4 pts, efficient 2-for-2 shooting

Key Performers – Penn State Hazleton

• Bry'Yasia Costen – 14 pts, 4 threes, 4 steals

• Topaz Williams-Fripp – 11 pts, 9 rebs
  High-volume scoring effort, huge on the boards.

• Tamia Bruce – 10 pts (5–7 FG)
  Strong interior presence.

• Hannah Cook – 7 pts, 9 ast, 5 stl
  The engine of Hazleton's offense and defense.

Team Comparison