WASHINGTON, D.C. - Penn State-Altoona pulled away from Gallaudet University in the second half on Sunday evening to hand the Bison an 81-66 defeat in the Holiday Tournament women's basketball championship game at the Field House.

Gallaudet (2-3) had four players reach double figures led by Andrea Amati (Frederick, Md.), who came off the bench to net a team-high 18 points and add six rebounds. Freshman Shaquana McDonough (Pembroke, Mass.) was named to the all-tournament team for her play during the weekend tournament. She finished with 13 points and four steals against the Lions (6-0). Freshman Ann Whited (Fishers, Ind.) and senior Brittainy Payne (Pine Hill, N.J.) added 14 and 12 points, respectively, in the loss. Payne grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds.

Penn State-Altoona was paced by all-tournament selections Alicia Glasser (29 points) and Courtney Carroll (16 points). Marissa Lucas was named tournament MVP as she finished with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals against the Bison.

Gallaudet held the lead briefly in the first half before the Lions took over midway through and led 33-30 at the half.

In the second half, the Bison had cut the lead to one on a McDonough bucket but Glasser quickly erased that with one of her game-high five three-pointers. Penn State-Altoona led by as much as 20 points with six minutes left in the game.

The Lions shot 51.5 percent from the field and scored 18 points off Bison turnovers. Gallaudet held the advantage in rebounds, 43-31, and netted 20 second chance points against the Lions. Penn State-Altoona was able to lock down on the Bison as they shot 38.1 percent from the field.

The Bison will next dive back into conference play as they host Stevenson University (1-4) for a Capital Athletic Conference game on Wednesday, December 2, at 6 p.m. in the Field House.

2009 GU Holiday Tournament

Sunday, November 29
Championship Game: Penn St.-Altoona 81, Gallaudet 66 | Box Score
Consolation Game: Goucher 73, Penn St.-York 34 | Box Score

Saturday, November 28
Gallaudet 76, Penn St.-York 38 | Box Score
Penn St.-Altoona 71, Goucher 66 | Box Score

All-Tournament Team
Marissa Lucas (PSA) - MVP
Courtney Carroll (PSA)
Alicia Glasser (PSA)
Shaquana McDonough (GAL)
Amber Smith (GOU)
Laura Hoffman (PSY)