Box ScoreALBANY, N.Y. ? The Cansius College women’s basketball team defeated
Niagara University 63-51 in the first round of the 2008 Citizens Bank
MAAC Tournament at the Times Union Center on Thursday afternoon.
Sophomore Brittan? Russell led Canisius (13-17) with 16 points, nine
rebounds, five assists and three steals while junior Amanda Cavo had 15
points in just 19 minutes. It’s the ninth time this season Russell and
Cavo have each had at least 15 points in a game. Freshman Micayla
Drysdale had a career-high eight rebounds to go along with nine points,
four assists and only one turnover.
The game started slowly, with the Griffs getting their first basket at
the 15:45 mark on a layup by sophomore Ellie Radke. Canisius took
control in the first half by scoring 10 consecutive points ? getting
seven from Cavo and three from Russell during the spurt that made the
score 18-8 with nine minutes remaining. Niagara battled back by making
four 3-pointers in the final nine minutes of the first half as Canisius
was up 35-26 at the break. The Purple Eagles shot 30 percent in the
first half but only 25 percent on two-point shots in the opening 20
minutes.
The Griffs continued their strong defensive play to start the second
half, holding Niagara (8-22) scoreless for the first 3:38 of the half
and opening the half on a 24-8 run during the first 11:15 of the second
half. Russell had nine points during the run that ended with a layup by
senior Mere Mullins, making the score 59-34.
“After the slow start, we settled down and continued to bring a high
level of defensive intensity,” Canisius coach Terry Zeh said. “On
offense, we were able to score inside, which is what we always want to
do.”
“It’s always exciting to win in the postseason and now we have a great opportunity ahead of us on Friday.”
Canisius next plays in quarterfinals against No. 24/20 Marist on
Friday. Game time is set for 1:30 p.m. and the game can be seen live on
MSG.