Rally Comes Up Short at Nationals; Meet Campbellsville in Game #2
The #5-seed Emmaus Lady Eagles pushed until the final whistle, but their 4th quarter rally ran out of time, as they fell 76-70, to the #4-seed Pensacola Christian Eagles on Wednesday, March 11 at the NCCAA National Quarterfinals in Joplin, MO.
The game started fast and even, as each team tested one another, in what was anticipated to be a competitive match-up heading into Wednesday's contest.
Both teams hit early 3-pointers, with Kristen Morry connecting for Emmaus. Pensacola Christian and the Lady Eagles each applied full-court pressure to unbalance one another's rhythm, leading to a 7-7 tie after 5 minutes of play.
Pensacola then went on a run to build a 20-11 advantage at the 1:53 mark of the first quarter, before Morry connected on another 3-pointer and Tiffany Williams followed with an and-one, 3-point play to reduce the Pensacola lead to 22-17 at the end of the first quarter.
In the 2nd quarter, Pensacola would build an 11-point lead, before the Lady Eagles fought back to a 5-point deficit on free throws inside the last minute by Kia Gelinas. Pensacola hit a halftime buzzer-beater though, to extend their lead back to 41-34 at the half.
Coming out of the locker room in the 3rd quarter, the Lady Eagles went cold from the floor, shooting 2-16 from the field in the period. Pensacola used that stretch to build a 16-point advantage, as they hit three from beyond the arc, and led 57-41 heading into the 4th quarter.
The Emmaus shooting touch returned when the 4th quarter started, and Kristen Morry opened the period with a 3-pointer. The Lady Eagles began to use their hustle and defense to claw back into the game. Riley Harding and Tiffany Williams helped to push the pace, and when Harding connected on a shot at the 1:06 mark, the Lady Eagles were within 7 points, at 70-63.
Emmaus scored 29 points in the final frame on 57% shooting, however Pensacola was able to manage the game's final minute, going 6-of-6 from the foul line, and held off the Lady Eagles, 76-70, at the final buzzer.
The Emmaus Lady Eagles move on to the consolation bracket on Thursday, March 12, where they meet Campbellsville University Harrodsburg @ 10am. The winner of Thursday's match-up will advance to the national 5th place game on Saturday, March 14 @ 9am.