The women's basketball team is in sole possession of first place in the Patriot League after they defeated Holy Cross 76-71 in overtime Saturday. With 16 ties and 13 lead changes, the Eagles and Crusaders provided unprecedented excitement.
The Eagles and the Crusaders ran onto the court in the first half with fire in their bellies. Every shot the Eagles made, the Crusaders quickly contested with a shot of its own.
Senior guard Liz Hayes would make a three-pointer and then Holy Cross would immediately counter with a three of its own. This said, the Eagles led for the majority of the first half but never by more than five points. AU was up 35-33 heading into the locker room at halftime.
The second half was similar to the first, except the game was tied 10 different times. With two minutes left to play in the game, Hayes was fouled by Holy Cross' sophomore guard Bethany O'Dell. Hayes sunk both free throws to take the lead, but Holy Cross fought back. Within 20 seconds of Hayes' free throws, junior forward Kathy Gruzysnki tied the game back up at 63.
The pressure was on to make the crucial game-winning basket. One minute and 40 seconds is a long time in a college basketball game. The Crusaders' sophomore guard Brianna McFadden missed a jumper but junior guard Pam Stanfield missed a three. With one more chance at the buzzer, freshman center Elizabeth Campbell of Holy Cross heaved a three, only to hear the sounds of the clanking rim and the buzzer ringing. Overtime.
It felt like Holy Cross had the game in its hands, as it quickly took a four-point lead with two minutes to play in overtime.
However, the Eagles' junior guard Talicia Jackson smoothly sank a three to bring the game within one. Then, after a crucial steal by Hayes, senior forward Stephanie N'Garsanet made a lay-up, changing the game score in favor of the Eagles.
There was no looking back for the Eagles after that play. Thanks in part to five points in the final minute from junior guard Pam Stanfield, the Eagles finished the game strong, winning 76-71.
Five Eagle players scored in double figures in the game, including 17 from Hayes and 15 from Stanfield. Senior forward Maggie Smith-Davidson anchored a stellar Eagle defense with 11 rebounds.
The Eagles battle Navy on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in Bender Arena.
