Knights Rally Past Women's Basketball on Saturday Afternoon

Written by Joshua Soto (SJC-LI Sports Information) 

Newburgh, NY| Fourth quarter shooting troubles continue to plague the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's basketball team as it suffered a 70-40 defeat to Mount St. Mary College in a Skyline Conference matinee on Saturday afternoon. With the loss, the Golden Eagles fall to 1-4 (0-2 Skyline) on the season while the Knights improve to 5-0 (2-0).

Megan Kerutis sparked a 10-2 run to open up the game, scoring six points, in the first five minutes of action. A made three-pointer by Jackie Zizzo would cut SJC's deficit to five (10-5) at 4:03. The Knights closed off the quarter with a 4-1 run to exit the frame with an eight-point lead (14-6).

The Golden Eagles made a strong defensive presence in the second quarter holding the Knights to six points, shooting 15% from the field. Andrea Iavarone paced the Golden Eagles with a team-high five points in the quarter. Iavarone brought the visitiors within two (18-16) at the 1:32 mark after driving to the paint and converting the free throw attempt. Kayla Cleare got the last shot off in the first half to pull the Knights in front 20-16 at the break.

The two sides would trade baskets as Mount St. Mary would maintain a two-point lead (26-24) midway through the third frame, until a Janae Graham three-pointer would start a 9-0 run to give the Knights an 11-point lead with 3:40 left in the quarter. The Knights would continue to control the pace of play until the end of the third, holding on to a nine-point lead (43-34).

The Knights maintained momentum in the fourth quarter, coming out the gates with a 27-2 run with under two minutes to play to take a 70-36 lead. The hosts shot 11-18 from the field and knocked down four of their five free throw attempts in the final quarter. Bridget Kelly was the quarter's best performer with eight points shooting a perfect 100% from the field (3-3), and collecting two rebounds. The Golden Eagles tallied the game's final four points as the Knights would walk away with the 70-40 win.

Iavarone, the only Golden Eagle who scored in double figures, led the game with 13 points. The forward would also contribute on the boards with seven rebounds. Alicia Indence went for nine points and five rebounds, and Jennifer Gubell posted nine points. 
Overall, the Knights outshot the Golden Eagles from the field (41.7%-29.8) and held the advantage in rebounds (50-25).

The Golden Eagles will return to the Dazni Center when they take on Mount St. Vincent on Tuesday, December 6 at 8:00pm. Live stats will be available here.