SLIPPERY ROCK — The numbers simply didn't add up Saturday for the Slippery Rock University women's basketball team.

The Rock had lost five of their last six games, surrendering an average of 89 points per game in those defeats.

Edinboro ranked second in the PSAC offensively, averaging 73.3 points per game, was riding a 16-game winning streak and had defeated SRU in 13 of the most recent 14 games between the teams.

Then came the opening tip Saturday at Morrow Field House. And it all changed.

The Rock (9-10, 6-7) jumped out to an 8-0 lead and never trailed in hanging a stunning 69-58 loss on the Fighting Scots. The 58 points matched Edinboro's single-game low for the season.

“We dug in and played solid man-to-man defense for 39 minutes and we controlled the boards,” SRU coach and Mars resident Bobby McGraw said. “Those are two things that had to happen.

“I challenged Morgan Henderson, told her she had to own the boards today, and she did that.”

Henderson, a sophomore forward, led all players with 10 rebounds.

But it was senior point guard Lexi Carpenter who owned the game.

Carpenter scored 35 points, snared five rebounds and had four assists for SRU. She scored the first five points of the game and 10 of The Rock's first 12 tallies.

It marked her fourth successive game of 32 or more points. Jordan Wilson of Alaska Fairbanks is the only other player in all of NCAA Division II with three successive 30-point games this season.

“Lexi is playing at a different level right now,” McGraw said. “Four straight games of 32 or more ... I don't know if that's ever been done in PSAC history.”

A transfer from the University of Dayton, Carpenter entered the game leading the PSAC in scoring with 19.6 points per game.

“If I can play and perform like this, it helps bring my teammates to a different level as well,” Carpenter said. “This was a huge win. It keeps is in the playoff race.”

With nine games left, SRU is one game out of the sixth and final tournament spot in the PSAC West.

“Lexi definitely controls this team,” freshman guard Brooke Hinderliter said. “She keeps us in games, keeps our game under control. We know she has our back.”

C.C. Dixon had 11 points, six rebounds and three assists for The Rock. Hinderliter had eight points and six rebounds while Karns City graduate LeeAnn Gibson tallied four points and three boards in 11 minutes of action.

Ciara Rosten scored 16 points and was the only player in double figures for Edinboro (16-3, 12-1). SRU enjoyed a 47-30 rebounding advantage.

“If we keep playing man like we did today, you won't see us play another minute of zone,” McGraw said. “This team is good enough to play with anybody in this league.

“We proved that today.”

McGraw is in his third season as SRU women's coach.

“This may be our biggest win since I've been here. It's right there,” he admitted.

Edinboro 70, SRU (men) 59

After a tight first half that saw five ties and 10 lead changes, The Rock couldn't find the basket in a disappointing home loss.

SRU (10-9, 6-7), still fourth in the PSAC West, lost at home to the Scots (6-11, 4-9) for the first time in nine years. SRU had won 13 of the last 16 games between the teams.

“We went 0 for 8 on three-point shots in the second half and didn't hit free throws,” SRU coach Kevin Reynolds said. “We missed the front end of a few one-and-one's.

“We just haven't been playing well. We haven't been coaching well. It all starts with me.”

The Rock sank just seven of 19 free throws Saturday. Edinboro canned 16 of 20 at the line.

Consecutive layups by Vinny Lasley pulled SRU within 32-30 early in the second half, but Edinboro responded with an 18-8 spurt.

After trailing by 12, SRU pulled within 57-53 with 7:46 to play, but a Maceo Baston lay-up and Mike Beck trey enabled the Scots to spread some distance again.

The Rock scored just six points in the final seven minutes. SRU has lost three straight games and five of their last six.

“I don't know if we've ever lost two straight at home since I've been here,” Reynolds said. “I think we've lost three in a row overall one time.”

Pitt-Johnstown defeated SRU Wednesday at Morrow Field House.

Reynolds is in his ninth year at The Rock. He has won 79 percent of his home games (97-26) during that time.

Jaymon Mason, the PSAC's leading scorer at 22.9 ppg., scored 30 and had nine rebounds to lead Edinboro Saturday. Lasley paced three Rock players in double figures with 16 points. Christal Malalu had 13 points and 19 rebounds, Merdic Green 11 points.

SRU has been outrebounded only once all season, leads the PSAC and ranks sixth in the nation in rebounding. But The Rock ranks last in the conference in scoring.

“We still have time to turn this thing around. But there are tough games coming up,” Reynolds said.

SRU's women and men travel to Gannon Wednesday night.