ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University women's basketball team held off Gwynedd Mercy University 77-74 on Monday evening in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) action.

Jessica Schlesman led all scorers with 33 points. The junior went 18-for-21 from the line. Colleen Hinde netted 14 points and Erica Marvel notched 13. JoHanna Metzger pulled down 11 boards and blocked two shots.

Neumann held the pace of the game early on. After the teams were knotted at four, the Knights went on a 12-4 run to take a 16-8 lead. Neumann held a lead as big as 15 during the first half and went into the locker room with a 37-24 advantage.

The Knights held a double-digit lead for most of the second half. However, with 3:28 left in regulation and Neumann holding a 73-64 lead, Gwynedd Mercy started to make its move. The Griffins went on a 12-1 run to tie the game at 74 with 52 seconds on the clock.

Neither team would connect on another field goal and the game came down to free throws. Schlesman drove to the basket with less than 10 seconds remaining and was fouled. She connect on 1-of-2 for a 75-74 Knights lead. The Griffins had the ball but committed a turnover with two seconds left and once again Schlesman found herself at the line. This time, with 0.8 seconds remaining, the junior connect on both of her shots for a three point lead.

With just enough time for a quick shot, the Griffins got off a three that hit the basket, but did not go through and the Knights came away with the 77-74 win.

Neumann (10-6, 7-2 CSAC) hits the road for four straight games. The Knights travel to Rosemont on Wednesday evening for conference action beginning at 7:00 PM.