FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
at Mitchell College (New London, CT)
NCAA DIII Women’s College Basketball Result Friday, February 24, 2006Association of Division III Independents Women’s Basketball Northeast Regional Semifinals hosted by Mitchell College.
Mitchell hangs on in 82-80 thriller over Lincoln
Mitchell College (9-17) women’s basketball started tonight’s second semifinal with focus and purpose as it jumped out to a 21 – 7 lead in the first 10 minutes of its game vs. Lincoln University. All cylinders were clicking as their full court pressure created turnovers and offensive opportunities. Mitchell entered halftime with a 45 – 33 lead. That lead was extended in the first 3:30 minutes of the second half to 53 – 35 as it appeared Mitchell had control and composure in extending its lead.
Lincoln University (7-19) had other ideas as they found themselves back in the game with eight minutes to play and the lead down to 10 points. Strong defense and interior play saw Lincoln use its height advantage on the boards and offensive end to trim the lead. With just under five minutes Lincoln trimmed the lead to five and the fun began as Mitchell held onto a 3 point lead with under two minutes to go. Gina Derosier (Brooklyn, CT) was strong down the stretch for the Pequots going 4 – 4 from the charity stripe to keep Mitchell ahead. With 12.7 seconds to play Mitchell had the ball and a two point lead however, Alva Jeffreys (JR, Bridgeport, CT), 22 points, and 5 steals, made a drive to the hoop with 7.2 seconds remaining resulting in a turnover giving Lincoln the ball to tie or take the lead. Lincoln moved the ball up the floor and put a lay-up in right after the buzzer as the officials waved off the basket and Mitchell fans celebrated the two point victory.
Mitchell was paced by captain Derosier with 16 points, 7 assists, the return of the injured Shayna Barnes (JR, Tarrytown, NY) 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and Ashley Hansen (Fr, Clinton, CT) 20 points, 6 rebounds. Genora Campbell (FR, Brooklyn, NY) put in a blue collar effort battling the size of Lincoln and garnering 7 rebounds. Mitchell will play Meredith College at 2:00 p.m. in the Championship game.
Lincoln received strong play and production from Mary Rotimi (JR, Philadelphia, PA) 25 points, 14 rebounds and Asha Atkinson (SO, Deptford, NJ) 18 points and 11 rebounds. Lincoln had three starters foul out down the stretch as they clawed back in to the contest. Lincoln will play at noon in the consolation contest vs. Green Mountain College.
Meredith (NC) advances with 73 – 46 victory over Green Mountain College (VT) 73 – 46.
Meredith College (North Carolina) evened its overall record to 11-11 in the first semifinal contest with a sound 73-46 win over Green Mountain College (VT). Meredith set the tone early as they jumped out to an 11 – 0 lead to start the game. Meredith who had 10 different players scoring on the night was led by Laurie Mulqueeny (SR, Newport, NC) 14 points, 9 rebounds, Nicole Hall (FR, Raleigh, NC) 14 points, 4 rebounds, and Amira Issa (SR, Jacksonville, NC) 8 points and 13 rebounds.
Green Mountain College (9-14) played hard until the final buzzer as they played a tough second half (outscored 36 – 30). Green Mountain received strong play from Brittany Holden ( FR, Schenectady, NY) with 17 points and Natalie Clark (FR, West Palm Beach, FL) 10 points, 9 rebounds.
Finals on Saturday at Mitchell with Meredith and Mitchell.
Green Mountain College and Lincoln play in the consolation game at the Mitchell College campus at 12:00 p.m. to be followed by the Association of Division III Independents Championship game at 2:00 p.m. with Meredith College and Mitchell College. Tickets for the tournament are as follows: $5 for adults and $1 for students. Children under 12 and Mitchell faculty, staff and students with school ID are free. New London Park & Recreation Youth Basketball players wearing their team shirts will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Ticket sales will begin 60 minutes prior to the first game on each day: 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.