MUAC Lady Chargers finish year strong
DONALDSON — The Marian University Ancilla College women’s basketball team finished the first half of the season on a high note, defeating Clark State Community College, 61-56.
The Chargers began their regular season on Nov. 1 at Clark State, falling by 10 points, so the second meeting at Charger Arena was a welcomed opportunity for them to show their growth.
The Chargers came out with a defensive mindset, limiting the Eagles to just 10 first quarter points. The pace picked up quite a bit in the second stanza, as Clark State outscored the Chargers 20-18, cutting the deficit to just two points heading into the half.
The third quarter was much like the first, as both teams battled effortlessly just to manage a bucket at times, but the Chargers remained on top, 43-41, heading into the final 10 minutes. The Chargers were able to build a 12-point lead midway through the fourth quarter due to great defense, but then needed to make free throws down the stretch to hold on, finally securing the win, 61-56.
De’mour Watson posted a double-double with 27 points and 16 rebounds and added a pair of steals and two blocked shots. Samaria Freeman was great
defensively, oftentimes playing out of position against girls much taller. At the same time, she put together one of her best offensive performances of the year, scoring 17 points. Freshman guard Brooklynn Cooper was big off the bench, playing extended minutes and scoring three key buckets.
Charger Head Coach Ryan Gould was thrilled with his team’s performance.
“I am very pleased with the effort, energy, and teamwork we displayed today,” he said. “Everyone, including the bench, was engaged from beginning to end, supporting each other, and working together to win this game as one team. I feel like it is a great building block heading into our holiday break, as we beat a team who had previously beaten us earlier this year.”
The MUAC women’s team will return to action on Jan. 6, when they travel to Oliveharvey College.