Simmons Basketball secured their 2010 Great Northeast
Athletic
Conference opener over Suffolk University on Saturday, 60-56, in
a
thrilling finish that came down to the last three minutes of the
game.
With the win, Simmons advances to 8-4 (1-0 GNAC) while Suffolk
falls to
4-6 (0-1 GNAC).
With the score at 58-53 in Simmons’ favor with four minutes
remaining in
the second half, Suffolk sophomore forward Julianne Conrad hit
a
three-pointer to bring the Rams into striking distance, 58-56.
With
Suffolk as close at two points shy of a tie, several untimely Rams
fouls
let the Sharks pull away with sharp free throw shots from freshman
guard
Liz O’Connor (Milton, Mass.) and senior forward Stephanie Fox
(West
Springfield, Mass.) to bring the final score to 60-56.
Fox led all scoring on the day with a double-double of 17 points
and 13
rebounds, also collecting six blocks and three steals. Sophomore
guard
Jessica Thomas (East Sandwich, Mass.) racked up 15 points, three
board
and three rebounds, while senior guard Julianna Eagles (Quincy,
Mass.)
chipped in nine points for the Sharks. O’Connor had a solid
defensive
presence throughout the game, earning five points, six boards and
three
steals.
The Rams’ Meghan Black turned in a double-double of 11 points
and 12
rebounds; not far behind her was teammate Jaqueline Vienneau with
11
points of her own, as well as five assists and three steals.
Kristina
Hayner chipped in nine points and five rebounds. Suffolk never
let
Simmons get too far away, trailing by just four points at halftime,
and
again by four at the final buzzer.
Simmons will next face GNAC foe Johnson & Wales on Tuesday,
January 12
at 7:00pm at home. Suffolk will travel to Pine Manor on the same
day.
(Story courtesy of Simmons Sports Information)