Women's basketball: Army fends off Navy charge
WEST POINT – In a matter of minutes Navy turned a nine-point Army lead into a one-point battle midway through the third quarter, deflating an enthusiastic crowd at Christl Arena on Saturday.
The Midshipmen missed a 3-pointer that could have given them the lead. Then Army’s Hope Brown stepped in front of Sydne Watts and drew a charging call. Sabria Hunter converted a teammate’s miss and Sam McNaughton calmly stroked a 3-pointer from the right wing and Army was back up six.
Army closed the quarter on a 10-2 run and Navy never closed within nine the rest of the way as the Black Knights prevailed 75-61.
Photo gallery:Army tops Navy in women's college basketball game
If this two weeks ago, coach Missy Traversi said she’s not sure Army would have responded this well.
“Five games ago, we probably would have folded,’’ Traversi admitted. “But right now we're showing incredible resolve. Our senior class has presence, they have poise out there and they're leading the way. It was our Firsties that really rallied everyone.’’
Indeed. Army’s seniors – Kamryn Hall, Hunter and Brown – accounted for 33 points, 29 rebounds and the clutch play the Black Knights were missing. Toss in 24 points from rookie Reese Ericson and Army (6-12) has discovered – albeit long into the season – how to play together.
“We’ve really been building our momentum as a team,’’ Hunter said. “I think from the start we've had the pieces. We just kind of struggled putting everything together and we didn't start off having a strong record … it messes with your confidence a little bit.
“I think we're really starting to turn a corner, playing for the same mission, playing well together and continuing to build that team chemistry,’’ she added.
Player of the game
The 6-foot-1 Hunter is posting all-star numbers, averaging 13 points and nearly 12 rebounds per contest. Her ability to score off contact keyed Army’s early play – she scored on three of the first four possessions of the game and hit seven of her first nine shots. Hunter finished with 23 points and 17 rebounds, certainly one of the greatest double-doubles by an Army player in team history.
By the numbers
Army (6-12, 4-4 Patriot) – Hall played a strong game, posting eight points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocks. … Buoyed by Hunter, the Black Knights won the paint battle 40-28.
Navy (1-18, 1-7 Patriot) – Maren Louridas posted 20 points and nine rebounds and reserve Lindsay Llewellyn had 14 points. Navy shot 39 percent. … The Midshipmen are missing six players to injury and playing a lineup dominated by freshmen and sophomores. Given the experience level, coach Tim Taylor said he’s pleased with what he’s seen and encouraged by his next recruiting class.
They said it
“The last few games we've been doing a better job of executing and honing in on details of our assignment; I think about a month ago I would say the opposite. I don't know if we had been playing team basketball, I think we weren't trusting, we weren't following the plan, and now we are and you're seeing the results. It's all being done on the defensive side of the ball … we're connected, we're communicating and we're also winning the rebounding wars, which is big.’’ – Army coach Missy Traversi
Coming up
Army hosts American on Wednesday – the Black Knights beat the Eagles 77-56 on Jan. 11. Army plays at Holy Cross – coached by former Army assistant Maureen Magarity – on Saturday. The Crusaders (16-3) are off to an 8-0 start.
Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Army Navy women's basketball Patriot League NCAA
