ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University Women's Basketball team dropped a tough 78-76 decision against Widener University on Tuesday night.
 
Both teams traded baskets to start things off but Widener went on a 6-0 run for a five-point lead after two minutes. Neumann got back within one but the Pride against extended the lead with an 8-1 run, making it 19-11 with 4:40 left in the first. Again the Knights battled within two but a late 5-1 stretch made it a six point lead after 10 minutes.
 
Another five point run for Widener extended the lead to 11 early in the second. The Pride were able to stretch it to 12 halfway through the period. Neumann couldn't pull much closer as the lead was 11 at halftime.
 
A 5-2 run to start the third pushed the Knights' deficit to it's largest of the game as Widener had a 51-37 lead with 8:24 left. Neumann scored eight of the next 10 points to get within eight but a 10-4 push had the Pride up by 14 again. Only two late free throws gave Neumann life heading into the fourth.
 
The first five minutes of the final quarter belonged to the Knights as they went on a 13-5 run to get within four at 68-64. The teams traded quick runs for the duration of the game as Neumann trailed by two in the last ten seconds. The Knights had a chance to tie the game in the final moments but a potential buzzer-beating layup was blocked, giving Widener the win.
 
Lauren Klieber had a career-best performance to lead the Knights. She finished with a double-double, picking up 43 points and 10 rebounds. Her 43 points is the second-most in a single game in Neumann program history, just two points behind Celeste Rogers' 45-point game against Wilmington College in 1989. Emily DuPont added 22 points and five steals.
 
Neumann (4-3) will return to action on Monday when the visit Penn State Berks for a 6:00 PM start.