EASTON, Pa. – In a close game that came down to the wire, the American University women's basketball team was unable to get past Lafayette Wednesday evening at the Kirby Sports Center, dropping a 63-59 decision.

Junior Lauren Crisler registered her first career double-double, recording 17 points and a career-best 10 rebounds to lead the Eagles, while freshman Cecily Carl added 11 points and seven rebounds.

For the Leopards, Maia Hood finished with a team-leading 17 points, while Jamie O'Hare and Sammy Stipa added 16 and 14 points, respectively.

American (6-19, 4-10) opened the game with a 5-0 run, but Lafayette scored the next seven points to take the lead. The Leopards' advantage was short-lived however, as the Eagles closed the first period on a 9-0 run, capped off by a half-court shot by sophomore Maria Liddane at the buzzer.

The Eagles led throughout the second period, fighting off an early Lafayette run to take a 29-21 advantage into the locker room.

Midway through the third period, Lafayette (6-18, 4-10) went on a 12-0 run to take a 38-34 lead with 3:51 remaining in the quarter. However, American, sparked by a three-pointer from freshman Elina Koskimies ended the third period with a run of its own to head into the final stanza with a 43-42 advantage.

The two teams continued to trade points in the final stanza, but Lafayette eventually pulled ahead, taking a 59-54 lead with 2:38 remaining. Although American cut the margin to one point with 1:15 on the clock, the Leopards scored on their next possession and were able to keep the game just out of reach.

The Eagles return home for their next contest, hosting Holy Cross on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m.