The Marian University Ancilla women's basketball team played on back-to-back nights for the first time this season, and while fatigue could have been a problem, they battled through and managed to score the fourth most points in a game this season.
The Cardinals came out extremely active and feisty and carried a lead throughout most the of the first quarter, though MUAC led 17-16 after 1. The second quarter saw much of the same, as Andrews jumped out to a lead as big as 6 points a couple of times, led by the 3-point shooting of Danielle Nau. The Chargers managed to get stops and found the basket late in the period, claiming a 35-33 lead heading into the locker room at the half.
Early in the third quarter, the Chargers extended their lead to 6 points, following 2 1/2 minutes of stops to begin the period, however Andrews just kept coming. They got contributions from throughout their roster, and shot it tremendously better as a team from the 3-point line than they have all season. By the end of 30 minutes, Marian Ancilla clung to a 55-50 lead.
To begin the fourth quarter, it appeared as if the Chargers had finally taken control, stretching their lead to 9 or 10 points on multiple occasions. But late in the quarter, the Cardinals got a couple of deep balls to fall, and cut the lead to just 4 points. From there, it was a matter of each team trading baskets/stops, then the Chargers making a few free throws to close it out, 69-63.
Freshman Nasiya Gause led the Chargers with 22 points and 6 assists, plus she added 5 rebounds. Sophomore Derriauna Woodson (15 points, 6 rebounds) and Freshman Millie Scorsone (10 points, 5 rebounds) were a matchup problem inside for the Cardinals and it showed through their production in the post. Freshman Bella Mahan continued to shoot it well outside, knocking down 4-10 from long range, scoring 12 points in total. She also tied Sophomore Samaria Freeman for the team lead with 8 rebounds in the contest.
Emily Hicks paced the Cardinals with 17 points and 5 rebounds, while guards Danielle Nau (11 points, 4 rebounds) and Delina Overfield (10 points, 5 assists) also scored in double figures. The Cardinals entered the contest shooting just 17.1% from 3-point range, but last night they knocked down 8-18 (44.4%) shots from deep.
The Chargers are back in action next Wednesday, February 21st, when they head to Kalamazoo Valley for an MCCAA matchup. Tip time is set for 5:30 p.m. ET, with the men's game to follow. Please come out and support the Chargers!!