Quinnipiac University Advances to Third Straight MAAC Women's Basketball Championship Game
MAAC Sports
ALBANY, NY – The first semifinals matchup of the 2016 MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship saw the top seeded Quinnipiac Bobcats defeat fifth seeded Monmouth University, 66-59 in a close game that was tied at halftime and tied entering the fourth quarter. The Bobcats will now take on the winner of the next semifinal contest between Iona College and Marist College.
The first half came to a close with both teams tied at 28. The third quarter was tied at 41 heading into the final set of 10. This semifinals contest featured 12 lead changes and 10 ties. Brittany Johnson hit a big three-pointer at the 3:36 mark of the final quarter to extend the Bobcat lead to 54-47. Co-Sixth Player of the Year, Jasmine McCall hit two free-throws with 3:27 left to make it a five point game. Adily Martucci answered right back with a three-pointer to make it an eight point lead at the 2:52 mark.
The MAAC Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Year, Aryn McClure had a big block on Jasmine Walker at the 1:16 mark to prevent a layup. She hit two free-throws with 33 seconds left to give Quinnipiac a 61-55 lead. Monmouth battled all the way in this contest, but were unable to defeat the regular season champions in a very competitive semifinal matchup. McClure finished with a double-double, scoring 10 points and secured 12 rebounds. The Bobcats turned up the defensive pressure in this game, posting 12 steals and recording nine blocks.
The Hawks were led by Sarah Olson who had a game-high 18 points. Jasmine Walker scored 11 points for Monmouth. Monmouth was the last team to defeat the Bobcats back on January 2 and nearly did so today. The Bobcats will look to defend its championship title tomorrow afternoon and keep its winning streak going.
The 2016 MAAC Women’s Championship title game takes place tomorrow, Monday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. and will air live on ESPNU with the winner earning the leagues automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
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