HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The University of Scranton women's basketball team could not overcome a 15-point deficit early in the second half, falling to Juniata, 62-54, in the Landmark Conference opener for both teams at Memorial Gymnasium.

Scranton (5-1, 0-1 Landmark) pulled within three at one point, but could never get even or take a lead as Juniata (7-0, 1-0 Landmark) made a handful of key plays down the stretch.

The Lady Royals were led by junior guard Bridgette Mann (Canadensis, Pa./Wallenpaupack), who had 14 oints, six rebounds and three assists. Sophomore guard Emily Sheehan (Dunmore, Pa./Dunmore) finished with 12 points and senior guard Katie Broderick (New Fairfield, Conn./Fairfield) added 10 points and five rebounds.

Juniata took a 29-20 lead at halftime, then drilled a pair of 3-pointers to start the second half for a 35-20 lead. But Scranton crept back into the game throughout the third quarter and kept the deficit in single digits the rest of the way, but could not complete the comeback.

The loss snaps Scranton's 27-game road winning streak and is the first loss in a true road game for head coach Trevor Woodruff, who took over the program at the start of the 2015-16 season.

Scranton shot 33.3 percent (18-for-54) from the field, including 5-for-17 (29.4 percent) from 3-point range. The Lady Royals were 13 of 16 (81.3 percent) from the free throw line, but committed 18 turnovers.

Juniata was 24-for-62 (38.7 percent) from the field, including 7-for-19 (36.8 percent) from 3-point range. The Eagles hit seven of their 10 free throw attempts and committed 15 turnovers. Each team finished with 38 rebounds.

The Lady Royals will now break for final exams. They will return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 13, when they visit York (Pa.) for a non-conference game at 6 p.m.

--ROYALS--