Box Score LORETTO, Pa. – The Sacred Heart University women's basketball gutted out a crucial win in dramatic fashion knocking off the Northeast Conference's leader, Saint Francis U (16-9, 11-2 NEC), 69-68, Saturday afternoon inside DeGol Arena. The win marks the 75th career victory for Head Coach Jessica Mannetti and tabs the longest win streak for the Pioneers (10-15, 6-8 NEC) this season.
How it happened…
After going up by as many as 14 points, six ticks behind the intermission, an SFU 6-0 run to start the third quarter brought the game back within single digits with 7:18 pictured on the clock.
Olivia Dabney drilled an outside dagger by the direction of Erin Storck several possessions after to expand its lead back to nine-the largest for the remainder of the game, 48-39 midway through the third window.
The hosts remained stubborn clawing its way back evening the playing field twice in the onset before trailing just one before the final period commenced.
Allyson Murphy and Adrianne Hagood both provided go-ahead baskets but Hagood's would prove the winner as the freshman's nifty scoop made way for the one-point edge, 63-62 with 5:03 left in regulation.
The Red Flash continued to answer nearly filling its deficit, leaving all but one point to separate the two teams, 69-68 with less than a minute to play.
Using the clock, Leatherwood was the ball-handler stalling at the top of the key. Once ready to execute a play, Caitlin Kroll blocked the guard's path giving SHU a fresh 30 to try again (0:36).
Leatherwood repeated the same game plan and with ten seconds to go, was on the move. Unfortunately, the guard drove right into a trap committing a near costly turnover allowing SFU some light.
Out of the hosts' timeout, Kroll tried a heave from the left baseline that was too strong and Leah Morrow's put-back was off the mark as time expired icing SHU with the victory.
The numbers…
Erin Storck was the leader at the half with 14 points but foul trouble restricted her to just 22 minutes of action. Storck was a 75-percent three-point sniper while also contributing a game-best three dimes and three steals.
Hagood supplied the team with 12 points including a perfect clip from downtown (2-of-2).
Tykera Carter put up 10 points, corralled two thefts and pulled down two boards.
Abigail Kangudie was the team's lead rebounder with seven boards while registering six points.
Each Pioneer that checked in, tallied-Leatherwood (9), Allyson Murphy (9), Dabney (5) and Asia McCray (4). Murphy's point total marks a career-high effort.
Noteworthy…
- SHU contained the NEC's leader in three-pointers, Jessica Kovatch, to just two in the contest (2-of-9).
- The Pioneers shot 50-percent from downtown (11-of-22) marking the best shooting clip by SHU all season and the most makes by the squad on the year.
- SHU's win streak improves to three, the longest of the season.
Up next…
The Pioneers visit Robert Morris, Monday, February 19 for an ESPN3 matchup airing at 7:00 p.m.
