Seeking the record for the quickest head coach in Patriot League history to win 100 games, AU head coach Matt Corkery and the women’s basketball team fell to Lehigh, 71-55, Feb. 13 in Bender Arena.
The Eagles (13-10, 6-3 PL) were killed on the glass as the Mountain Hawks (11-13, 3-6 PL) outrebounded them, 51-24. Lehigh nearly pulled down more offensive rebounds than AU did total rebounds and doubled the Eagles’ fast break point total.
“I think they did a nice job defensively,” Corkery said. “They run some man and run some zone so they do a nice job of being deceptive and try to keep you on your heels.”
AU shot under 37 percent from the field while Lehigh shot nearly 44 percent. The Eagles were also held to 23 percent shooting from beyond the arc while the Mountain Hawks shot 40 percent. Lehigh jumped out to a quick lead and led 39-23 at the half while never letting AU take the lead or even tie.
Junior guard Geleisa George scored a team-high 12 points and added a game-high three steals while sophomore forward Arron Zimmerman led AU in field goal percentage by shooting 4-for-6 while chipping in 10 points and five rebounds. Lehigh also attempted 26 free throws, twice the amount of AU.
“It’s very difficult [defensively when you give up so many offensive rebounds] because you end up fouling a lot, too,” Corkery said. “We were minus-13 in free throw attempts and they got in the bonus quickly. When you give up second shots, nothing very good can happen.”
The Eagles look to rebound from their second loss in three games as they travel to Worcester, Mass. Saturday to take on Holy Cross (12-12, 4-5 PL) at 3 p.m.
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