SAINT LEO, Fla. – Senior guard
Amy Buccilla established a new career-high scoring total with 23 points and the Eckerd College women's basketball program polished off an unbeaten showing at the Saint Leo Classic against Saint Augustine's (N.C.) University on Friday afternoon, 61-54.
Buccilla connected on four three-point field goals for the second game in a row and was 9-of-14 overall from the field. She also corralled six rebounds and swatted a pair of shots getting back in transition to complement her offensive efficiency.
Junior forward
Ivana Grbic finished with 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting to go with eight rebounds and junior guard
Kayla Bowlin joined her in double figures with 10, including eight makes at the free-throw line.
On short rest after overwhelming Webber International University in the season opener last night, the Tritons (2-0, 0-0 SSC) stormed the Bowman Center with fresh legs early, opening up an 8-0 run against an undersized, albeit athletic lineup deployed the Falcons (0-2, 0-0 CIAA).
Buccilla keyed the run with another streaking layup off the opening tip and sank a three in successive possessions to get the EC offense tracked early.
After making 33 percent (7-of-21) of their shots in the first half, the Tritons blistered the Falcons to make 12-of-19 tries from the floor, or over 63 percent, in the final 20 minutes of regulation.
After neutralizing one team's top offensive weapon in the season opener, the Eckerd defense was at it again, this time against reigning Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Rookie of the Year Regime McCombs.
McCombs lit up Saint Leo last night for 26 points, including eight three-point baskets, but didn't even attempt a shot against the Tritons' pressure until the second half.
The Tritons did face their first deficit of the young season after a three by McCombs put SAU on top 43-42 with 7:27 left to play, but after swapping several lead changes, Eckerd dictated the tempo once again in the half-court game.
Eckerd and Saint Augustine's were both in the double-bonus with over five minutes left in regulation and the Tritons opened up a double-digit lead in the closing moments before a mini flurry of desperation treys were made by the Falcons.
Back-to-back baskets from Buccilla and Grbic being assertive around the paint gave the Tritons an eight-point cushion and junior
Rana Thomas returned after getting raked across the face (nose) to make a layup and put EC up by 10 with 1:30 left.
EC controlled the glass with a plus-one rebounding margin as Saint Augustine's hauled in 18 offensive boards. Despite getting 26 more shot attempts hoisted than the Tritons, SAU was limited to less than 29 percent shooting in the game.
Forward Terri Jacobs led the Falcons with 15 points and seven rebounds while slashing guard Porscha Walton finished with 13.
Eckerd will continue the season on the road next week, making the trek to West Palm Beach for a showdown against the Sailfish of Palm Beach Atlantic University on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
