CANTON, N.Y. — St. Lawrence closed on a decisive 9–2 run over the final two minutes to defeat the Ithaca College women's basketball team 80–72 in Liberty League action Saturday afternoon at Burkman Gymnasium.
 
Ithaca (7–10, 4–6 Liberty League) opened the game strong as Tori Drevna scored 30 seconds into the contest, giving the Bombers the first lead of the afternoon. The opening minutes featured efficient offensive execution on both ends, with Natalie Tucker, Grace McNamara, Maddie Gill and Avery McPeek all contributing early baskets to keep pace with the Saints. The teams were tied 13–13 with 5:55 left in the first quarter before St. Lawrence took its first lead at 16–13. Late baskets from Zoraida Icabalceta and Mary Bernat kept Ithaca within striking distance, and with 40 seconds remaining Kenzie Perluke converted a put‑back to tie the game at 21.
 
Gill scored Ithaca's first points of the second quarter, and Drevna added a layup off a feed from Tucker to keep the Bombers within four, 31–27. Grace McNamara later knocked down two free throws to pull IC within two. Despite steady pressure from St. Lawrence, Icabalceta and Avery McPeek provided key buckets to prevent the Saints from extending their margin. Ithaca entered halftime down 42–37 but were shooting 50 percent from the field with a 6–1 advantage in offensive rebounds.
 
The Bombers opened the second half quickly, as Tucker scored a layup on the first possession and Drevna drilled a 3‑pointer moments later to tie the game at 44 for the third time. Madison Gill gave Ithaca a 46–44 lead with 7:46 remaining in the third, and both she and Drevna hit late quarter threes to send the game into the fourth tied 60–60.
 
Gill again opened the scoring in the fourth with a free throw to regain the lead, and Natalie Tucker followed with a 3‑pointer to put IC up 64–60. McPeek and Gill later added jumpers to maintain a 68–64 lead with 7:09 left. But St. Lawrence responded with timely scoring and free throws, eventually moving ahead 71–70 with 4:13 remaining. McPeek briefly put Ithaca back in front 72–71 off an assist from Icabalceta, but the Saints tied the game at 72 on a free throw with 2:53 remaining and controlled the final stretch from there. St. Lawrence outscored Ithaca 8–0 over the last 1:48 to seal the win.
 
Tori Drevna led Ithaca with 14 points and 10 rebounds, recording her second-straight double‑double. McPeek and Gill each added 12 points, while Perluke contributed six rebounds. Ithaca finished with a 36–22 advantage in points in the paint and 15–13 in second‑chance scoring, but St. Lawrence capitalized at the line, shooting 21‑for‑25 overall and 7‑for‑10 in the fourth quarter.
 
The Bombers return to action next week in Liberty League play. Ithaca will take on Union College on Friday at 5:30 p.m. followed by another road tilt at RIT on Saturday at 2 p.m.