Sage Gators Overtake Lady Golden Eagles, 53-43

Patchogue, N.Y. - Despite several late game surges, the St. Joseph's Golden Eagles (4-11, 2-2 SKY) were taken down by the Sage Gators (7-4, 2-1 SKY), 53-43, in a Skyline Confrence contest Saturday afternoon at the Danzi Center. 

The Sage offense had a strong performance in the first half outscoring SJC, 27-15, while shooting 41.4 percent from the field compared to the Golden Eagles subpar 17.6 percent.

SJC displayed strong persistence after being down 25-5 with 6:25 remaining, turning the half around after an Andrea Iavarone (Miller Place, N.Y. / Miller Place) baseline jump shot. The Golden Eagles finished the half on a 10-2 run with Meaghan Haber (East Northport, N.Y./ John Glenn) scoring the final point off a free throw after driving to the hoop with one second left on the clock.

St. Joseph's kept the momentum running into the second period, scoring the first two baskets off a Jackie Zizzo (Bethpage, N.Y. / Bethpage) made three-pointer and a Haber put-back shot, cutting the Gator lead to a seven-point differential.

Following the Golden Eagles second half charge, Sage regained their steam going on a 17-7 binge and boosting their lead to 17 points, their largest of the half.  Just like the first period, SJC made strives late as Zizzo hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to eight with under a minute, but Sage sealed the game after making key free throws.  

Three Lady Golden Eagles scored in double-digits with Haber leading with a game-high 14 points and Iavarone and Zizzo having 11 apiece. Iavarone anchored St. Joseph's defense grabbing seven missed shots.

St. Joseph's College will look to rebound from today's loss when the Golden Eagles matchup with Skyline Conference rival-Farmingdale State at home next Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.