WASHINGTON, D.C. – A big third quarter led to host Gallaudet University pulling away to a 75-60 triumph over Penn State Abington in Saturday's United East Conference action.

The win kept the Bison in first place in the United East standings with an 8-2 mark (10-7 overall). Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions slipped to 6-11 and 5-4 in league play. They are a half game out of the fourth and final playoff berth with seven contests remaining.

Penn State Abington hung tough on the road through the first 20 minutes as it trailed by just after the opening quarter and by eight at the break. They did so thanks to three bombs and nine points from senior Lacy MacLachlin.

However, Gallaudet opened the second half with a 17-5 run to increase its lead to 20 and finished the third by outscoring the Nittany Lions, 24-11. Penn State Abington never got closer than 15 points the rest of the way.

Angela Sanders paced the Nittany Lions with 19 points and added nine rebounds and five steals. MacLachlin finished with five 3-pointers and 15 points while Camille Fleming added a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards.

Gallaudet had three players post double-doubles in Malia Zornoza (19 points, 10 rebounds), Cassidy Perry (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Emelia Beldon (13 points, 11 rebounds).

The Nittany Lions will host conference rival Penn State Berks on Tuesday, February 1 (7 p.m.).