Feb. 11, 2009
Box Score
WASHINGTON - In a game of two halves, American
persevered through the tightly contested first stanza and then
powered their way to a huge second half lead, ending up with an
impressive 71-63 win at Bender Arena.
Talicia
Jackson scored the first five points for the Eagles and Nicole Ryan
dropped the next six leading American into the first media time-out
with an 11-10 lead. The Bison continued to hold serve thanks to
Joyce Novacek who hit her first three shots and Amanda Brown
playing strong from the point guard position.
American (17-7, 7-2 PL) continued the defensive pressure and
received an offensive spark from Ebony Edwards who
made a nice driving basket to keep the game tight at 18-14. The
Eagles had no answer for Novacek however as she continued her
streak of perfection and made her next three attempts as well. The
game remained tight as both teams competed evenly. American built
its biggest lead of the half at just eight points taking a 29-21
lead with 7:26 to play. Bucknell had battled back to get within
three, when American guard Talicia Jackson
was fouled shooting a three pointer. Talicia hit the first two and
Sahar
Nusseibeh got a big offensive rebound on the last attempt.
Making a nice pass to keep American on the offensive side. American
converted on their next two possession to mount a 9-0 run, pushing
the lead to 39-30. Bucknell once again closed the gap, yet American
answered and took a 45-37 lead into the half when Pam Stanfield
created her own mid-range jumper and it snapped through the net as
the buzzer sounded.
Bucknell (12-10, 4-5 PL) came out of the break and showed the
same fight that kept the game close to that point. However neither
team could find a rhythm early. American methodically increased its
lead and when they put together another nine point run, the
scoreboard favored the home team 59-42 with 12:54 to play. This
appeared to be the breaking point for the Bison as American
extended its aggressive defense and forced Bucknell into a string
of turnovers and difficult shot attempts. Just like the first half
when nine Eagles tallied points, Coach Matt Corkery
continued to take advantage of his team's depth. With everyone
contributing, ten Eagles saw action before the 6:00 minute mark,
the team built its lead to an insurmountable 68-48 advantage with
5:20 to go.
With the outcome in little doubt and American using the clock to
its advantage, Bucknell made one last run. But American was never
really challenged and cruised to a 71-63 victory.
The Eagles now make the longest road trip in the league and head
to Colgate this Saturday.
