Saturday afternoon, the Marian University Ancilla women's basketball team headed to Lansing, Michigan, to challenge the Stars of Lansing Community College in their second MCCAA matchup of the new year. The Chargers got off to a hot start, but untimely turnovers and free throw shooting were ultimately factors in a 61-55 loss to the Stars.
The Chargers took control from the tip, playing stingy defense, and finding easy scores early and often, putting together a 27-18 lead with 4:41 to go in the first half, following a deep 3-pointer by Freshman Nasiya Gause late in the shot clock. Unfortunately, the was the final time MUAC would find the bottom of the net in the half, as they surrendered a 9-0 run to end the first 20 minutes tied, 27-27.
The Stars took that momentum into the second half, as they outscored Marian Ancilla 16-7 in the third quarter, acquiring a 43-34 lead heading into the final period. The Chargers cut the lead to one possession on a number of occasions throughout the fourth quarter, but in the end, their 15-27 shooting from the charity stripe was a key factor in the loss.
Freshman De'Mour Watson scored 18 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to lead the Chargers, while Gause chipped in 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in a nice all-around effort. Freshman Brooklynn Cooper had a strong second half, producing most of her 7 points and 4 rebounds over the final 20 minutes. MUAC was without starting post Derriauna Woodson, who missed the contest due to injury, but Freshmen Millie Scorsone and Beauti Santiago filled in nicely.
Head Coach Ryan Gould added, "when you go on the road, especially in conference games, you have to play with more discipline than your opponent and do a lot of the 'little things' better. We struggled with that in the middle portion of the game today. We started strong and we finished with a nice effort, giving ourselves a chance to win."
The women's basketball team is back in action tomorrow, Monday, January 22nd, as they host the Junior Varsity Lancers from Grace College & Seminary. Tip time is set for 5:30 p.m. ET. Please come out and support the Chargers!!
