Feb. 21, 2007

Box Score

Old Westbury, N.Y. - The Adelphi University women's basketball led 29-25 at half-time but C.W. Post rallied on a 37-26 second half effort to top the visitors, 62-55. The Panthers win streak is snapped at three as they fall to 14-12 overall and 13-6 in the ECC. The Pioneers improve to 15-11 and 14-5, clinching the #2 spot in the upcoming ECC Tournament.

Junior Gianna Smith led all players with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Junior Mary Lepore was the only other Panther in double figures, with 15 points, eight rebounds and three steals.

Post quickly jumped out to a 9-1 lead through 16:16. AU responded on a 12-4 run to tie the game at 13 on a layup by graduate student Valentina Ionova, as part of a nine point-five rebound effort. The Pioneers rattled off eight unanswered points to push its margin to 21-13. Freshman Hunter Marek's layup at 6:58 sparked a 13-2 Panther rally capped by a trifecta by Lepore to give Adelphi its first lead with a minute to go.

The Pioneers made quick work of the deficit, opening the second half on a 8-2 run to regain the lead. The fifth tie of the contest, 33-33, came with 16:50 left in regulation, but Adelphi would never regain the lead. Post led by as much as 11 points, 57-46, at the 4:58 mark. A late surge brought the Panthers to within five, 60-55, at 1:13. Despite the Pioneers hitting just 2-of-7 from the line in the remaining minute, the Panthers were held scoreless.

Gina Catherall led a balanced C.W. Post attack with 20 points and nine rebounds. Erica Bell tallied 16 points and eight rebounds.

The Panthers drop to third in the current ECC standings, making their final contest of the regular season paramount in holding on to this spot. Adelphi will host Molloy College on Saturday, February 24, at 5:30 as part of its Alumni and Senior Day festivities. Alumni Day begins with the women's game at 1:00 p.m. followed by the men at 3:00 p.m.