Beckley Becomes League's All-Time Leading Scorer
(Contributions from Shippensburg University SID Bill Morgal)
BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – Senior forward Lauren Beckley (Fairfield/Fairfield) totaled 43 points on Wednesday night from Nelson Fieldhouse to become the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The supreme effort came in a 72-67 Shippensburg victory over host Bloomsburg.
“It’s been such a fun ride,” said a humble Beckley after a game in which she totaled her 57th career double-double with the 43 points and 15 rebounds. “There have been some ups and downs, but we’re really glad how this year has turned out. I think if we keep this going it will be a great end to a great career.”
Beckley entered the contest needing 16 points to tie the record set by Cheyney's Valerie Walker, who posted 2,289 points from 1978-82. With at least three more contests to play this season, Beckley now has 2,316 points, and the win over Bloomsburg kept alive the Lady Raider hopes of a PSAC playoff bid.
On the same shot in which Beckley became the conference’s all-time leading scorer, the Fairfield native set a second record in becoming Shippensburg University’s career leader for three-pointers. The four she sank in the contest gives her 249 for her career, surpassing Tracy Spencer (246), who held the record since 1996.
Shippensburg (13-14, 6-5 PSAC East) needed every single one of Beckley’s points on Wednesday night, and a majority came from the foul line. In addition to her other outstanding accomplishments, Beckley tied a school record on Wednesday night by making 21-of-25 free throws. She hit all 14 of her attempts in the second half, including four in the final 19 seconds that clinched the victory for the Lady Raiders.
“I can just say it’s been a pleasure coaching her for four years,” said head coach Kristy Trn. “Most coaches don’t have the luxury of coaching a player like Lauren Beckley and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to coach her for four years. What she does on and off the court is absolutely phenomenal. Tonight’s game showed what type of competitor and the caliber of star that she is.”
SU went through some offensive struggles after the opening tip, shooting just 3-of-18 from the field to start the game. The Huskies converted several three-point field goal attempts during a 15-4 run that gave the home team a 25-14 advantage with 9:33 to play in the first half. However, Shippensburg roared back with a 19-6 run to close out the half behind the play of Beckely and junior forward Kasey Gardner.
After Beckley hit a three-pointer to open the second half, Shippensburg never relinquished control of the lead despite some close calls from the Huskies. SU built a 13-point lead with 10:55 to play after starting the second half on a 24-10 run. A layup from Kayla Oxenrider got the BU within two points in the final 30 seconds before Beckley clinched the win with her free throws.
Notes: Through 110 career games, Beckley has scored 10 or more points 105 times…she has scored 20 or more points 61 times and 30 or more points 18 times…it was the second time in her career she achieved 40 or more points in a game…the other occasion was a school-record 47 points as a sophomore against Lock Haven…the other player to achieve 21 free throws in a game is Stacey Cunningham-Dellinger, who was 21-of-22 against West Liberty State on Feb. 13, 1982…ironically, Beckley broke the PSAC scoring record that lasted 28 years…the SU football team also won its first PSAC championship this season in a 28-year span…Beckley’s 43 points ranks sixth in school history for a single game.