WORCESTER, Mass. – The Holy Cross women's basketball team won their sixth contest over their last eight games a 65-50 decision against non-conference opponent Stetson University Sunday afternoon at the Hart Center Arena. Both teams move to 6-4 overall.
Stetson entered the showdown with the no. 8 scoring defense (49.2 points per game) in the NCAA. Holy Cross' 65 markers were the most the Hatters allowed in a game this season.
Three players scored in double-digits for the Crusaders. Sophomore guard
Bronagh Power-Cassidy produced a contest-best 17 points off 7-for-13 (53.8%) shooting. Senior
Avery LaBarbera chipped in her third double-double of the season and sixth in her career with 16 points, a game-high 10 rebounds, and six assists. Freshman
Grace Munt came off the bench and dropped a career-high 10 points with six caroms. Munt shot 4-of-6 (66.7%) from the hardwood and was a perfect 2-for-2 from distance.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Holy Cross came out of the gates firing on an 11-0 run getting a junior Addisyn Cross corner three as the shot clock sounded and a LaBarbera hoop and harm assisted by senior Oluchi Ezemma from the top of the key. From there Stetson put home seven straight and Ezemma stopped the burst with a mid-range jumper. Senior Madison Demski cleaned up a missed Crusader triple as the hosts led 15-11 after one.
- The 'Saders kept up their hot start in the second quarter using a Power-Cassidy and1 and three-pointer to lead 25-16. Munt opened up a first half high advantage of 16 via a second chance bucket at the 1:55 mark. HC was up 34-21 at the break.
- Power-Cassidy was a factor immediately in the third quarter pouring in a trifecta and two layups to open a 20 point, 41-21 Crusader edge. From there the Hatters responded with 12 straight make it a 41-33 margin with 4:49 to go. LaBarbera followed her own missed jumper and floated home a layup to halt the spurt. Maddie Novak knocked down a pull up triple at the buzzer to drop the Hatter deficit to 49-40.
- Kiya Turner split free throws and made it a two possession game 51-45 with 7:14 remaining. From there, Holy Cross put together nine straight to ice the game.
OUTSIDE THE BOX:
- LaBarbera was four assists shy of securing the first triple-double since Maggie Fontana's 16 point, 10 rebound, and 10 assist effort on January 17, 2004 against Lafayette.
- LaBarbera has double-doubled in three of the past four games.
- Holy Cross is 35-14 (.714) in the last 49 games played in the Hart Center Arena.
UP NEXT:
- The Crusaders hit the court next Wednesday, December 22nd for their final non-conference showdown with the University of Pittsburgh at 12:00 p.m.
