PORTSMOUTH, Ohio -- Point Park University women's basketball had its comeback fall short in Saturday's 61-59 loss at Shawnee State (Ohio). 

The Pioneers (16-7, 9-5 RSC) were down by 15 points early in the third quarter but battled back to cut that in half to trail 50-42 entering the fourth quarter.

Point Park won the second half 38-27 but ultimately the Bears (16-9, 8-6 RSC) getting out to leads of 19-9 after the first quarter and 34-21 at the half were a difference. 

Aichata Ballo had a layup with 1:34 left to pull the Pioneers within 61-59. The Pioneers got a defensive stop but were unable to find the tying or go-ahead points on their next trip.

Shawnee State took over and ran down the clock for the second possession in a row. The Bears did miss two free throws at the end, but it was too late. 

Alexis Giles with 14 points, three assists and couple of 3-pointers and Gabriella Legister with 14 points and eight rebounds led the Pioneers.

Ari Bleda chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds -- all defensive -- and a pair of assists. Ballo had 12 points off the bench.

Shawnee State had sisters Cianna and Chianne Gloster power the Bears to victory. Cianna Gloster had 15 points, 17 rebounds, six steals and four assists. Chianne Gloster had 13 points as the only other Bears player in double figures.

Point Park shot 38 percent and held Shawnee State to just 32 percent. The Pioneers won the rebounds, 32-29, but had 22 turnovers compared to 19 for the Bears. 

Point Park's next game is Saturday, Feb. 17 at Alice Lloyd (Ky.), the final road game of the regular season. Point Park finishes up at home Feb. 20 versus Ohio Christian and Feb. 23 versus WVU Tech.