LAKELAND, Fla. - Momentum shifted each quarter to open up the Mocs Christmas Classic, but the Eckerd women's basketball team took over late as they edged Maryville (Mo.), 59-51 on Friday afternoon.
Greta Carollo got things started with an early triple just six seconds in. After trading a pair of baskets, the Saints tied it back at five. Eckerd added seven unanswered points in the quarter for the lead. Maryville closed out the frame on a six-point run to go into quarter two tied 12-12. Maryville kept the momentum rolling with six unanswered points to open the second period. Paloma Simón stifled the Saints, before a pair of Chance Bucher triples brought the Tritons back within reach. With a pair of free throws and a layup down the stretch by the Saints, Eckerd trailed 29-22 at the break.
Lisa Michaelsen started the charge for the Tritons' second-half rally. Eckerd clawed back from a seven-point deficit to knot the score at 33 at the halfway mark of the third quarter. Another three by Bucher with 2:34 remaining in the quarter flipped the scripts for the Tritons, taking the 38-36 favor. Eckerd narrowly held on to the advantage, heading into the final quarter leading 42-39. Eckerd's poise from the free throw line in the fourth quarter helped solidify its lead, going 7-for-9 from the line. With a scoreless last 30 seconds of play, Eckerd held on to the 59-51 victory.
HOW IT ENDED
FINAL: Eckerd 59, Maryville (Mo.) 51
RECORDS: Eckerd 8-2 (4-1 SSC); Maryville 4-7 (2-2 GLVC)
NOTES AND NUMBERS
- EC shot 11-for-13 from the free-throw line.
- Bucher led the team with 16 points, her eighth double-digit performance of the season. Ieva Korzane rounded out double-figures with 14 points.
- Bucher shot 4-for-8 from 3-point range.
- Michaelsen was a significant contributor with four blocks and five assists.
- Carollo, Bucher, and Korzane each grabbed six boards.
- EC outshot MU 22-20 in the paint.
UP NEXT
The Tritons close out the Mocs Christmas Classic on Saturday with a game against Trinity (Fla.) at 12:00 PM.
