Box Score It wasn't the Michael Jordan "Sick Game" of the 1997 NBA Finals, but it was pretty remarkable what Lancaster Bible's Sarah Heilenman pulled off on Wednesday night at Horst Athletic Center. Battling severe flu-like systems, Heilenman led the Chargers with 19 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as Lancaster Bible defeated Penn St. Harrisburg, 76-69 to take sole possession of first place in the North Eastern Athletic Conference South Division.

In a game that featured six lead changes and six ties, it was the Chargers who took over late in the second half as they hit big shots and turned up the defensive pressure. LBC not only hit shots from the field, but from the free throw line as well where they were 14-of-18 in the second half and 18-of-25 for the game. 

The game featured scoring runs by each team and LBC Head Coach Doug Helsel said he was happy with how the Chargers responded when they got down.

"We withstood their scoring runs and I thought we did a good job countering," Helsel said. "I like that we took things possession by possession and stuck to the game plan."

Of Heilenman, Helsel said he continues to be impressed by her play when she is sick. Heilenman was under the weather a few weeks ago as well and played outstanding in that game too.

"The worse she feels, the better she plays. I'm not wishing sickness upon her, but geez, is there anything else she could get later in the year?" Helsel joked.

LBC's senior starters, Lauren Heliger and Emily Lloyd did not have their normal big shooting nights, but Helsel said they helped the team in many other ways.

"Those did exactly what we asked them to do tonight," Helsel said. "Lauren with seven assists and Em[ily] with 12 points on 11 shots. I thought they were really good tonight."

LBC freshman Aubrey Folger also had 19 points for the Chargers and added nine rebounds. Penn St. Harrisburg's Steph Yetter led all scorers with 20 points.

With win, LBC now has a 1 1/2 game lead over Penn St. Harrisburg in the NEAC South Division standings. The Chargers (15-4, 11-2 NEAC) have five conference games remaining, including four against South Division opponents, all of whom LBC has beaten once this season.

Keuka holds a two-game lead in the NEAC North Division and should the Storm win the North and the Chargers win the South, LBC would host the NEAC Final Four on February 23-24 as the Chargers defeated the Storm, 58-50 on January 7.

"Tonight was a big game, yes, but it does not define our season," Helsel said. "Everything we accomplished tonight is worth nothing if we don't take care of business in our last five conference games. We have two days to rest and get ready for SUNY Cobleskill.

SUNY Cobleskill is just 5-7 in NEAC play, but upset SUNYIT on Wednesday night, 59-56. The Chargers lost to SUNYIT just 10 days ago in Utica, N.Y. 

Saturday's game against SUNY Cobleskill is set for 1 p.m.


Notes:
-Saturday is Alumni Day at LBC as the Chargers will honor the 2002-03 NCCAA East Region Women's Basketball Championship team.