Three players reached double figures for the victors, led by Brittany Poorman's 17. Erin McGowan netted 15 and Kirstin Twardon scored 14 for Altoona, who improved to 6-14 overall and 4-9 in AMCC play.
Seemingly in control with a 41-30 halftime advantage, Altoona didn't score until two McGowan free throws at the 11:39 mark brought the game even.
Bradford used a 13-0 run over that span to put themselves in prime position for the comeback victory. But with just 3:57 to play and the home team clinging to a 54-51 lead, Poorman, McGowan, and Andrea Mortimer all converted buckets to increase the lead to 10, 61-51, and seal the Lady Panthers' fate.
Bradford, who only dressed seven players for the contest, was fronted by Katie Moore's 17 points. Three other players also reached double digits including Megan Richards who scored 10 points and nabbed 16 boards.
Pitt-Bradford shot 32% from the field and connected on just one of nine three pointers. The Lions hit five threes on the night, three courtesy of McGowan, and committed just 16 turnovers.
Bradford, who fell to 7-11 overall and 6-7 in AMCC play, was 25-35 from the charity stripe while Altoona hit 18 of 25 freebees.
The Lions return to action Saturday for a 4 PM tip at Penn State Behrend.