Nov. 17, 2007
Box Score
North Andover, MA -
Despite leading most of the second half, the Adelphi University women's basketball team was marred by late turnovers while host Merrimack rallied on a 16-4 to win, 70-64, Saturday afternoon at Volpe Gym. The Panthers fall to 0-2 while the Warriors is 2-0 for the first time since 2004-05.
Senior Gianna Smith (Hempstead, N.Y.) poured in 17 of her game-high 28 points in the second half, along with 20 boards to lead Adelphi. Junior Serita Lee (Freeport, N.Y.) also posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Mary Lepore (Manhasset, N.Y.) chipped in 14 points.
The opening minutes remained close with Adelphi taking a 15-13 lead on a three-pointer from junior Lisa Manetta at 14:27. The Warriors outscored the Panthers 14-4 over the next five minutes to push its lead to eight, 27-19, at 9:21. Adelphi trailed, 32-36, at the half.
Manetta's opening trifecta in the second half spurred a 19-9 run as Adelphi surged ahead 54-45 with 10:39 remaining. Merrimack began to claw back, while Adelphi struggled from the field. Up by five, 59-54, at 6:31, the Panthers went cold, not scoring a field goal for the next six minutes. In contrast, the Warriors closed on a 16-4 run.
Merrimack's defense forced 29 Adelphi turnovers, including six in the final minutes.The Panthers out rebounded Merrimack 56-39 in the game and had 27 points off second-chance opportunities to Merrimack's eight. The Warriors also posted 15 more points off free throws (25 to 10) then the Panthers.
Amanda Shannon (North Andover, MA) led the Warriors with 22 points (10-12 from the free throw line), seven rebounds and six assists. Eleven of her points came in the final minutes of play.
"Even though we are still looking for our first win, I am really proud of how hard and tough we are playing," Head Coach Kelley Watts said. "We are young and still learning. I know a win will come."
Adelphi returns to action next Saturday, November 24, when they travel to Philadelphia University for a 2:00 p.m. contest.
