EMMITSBURG, Md. (December 5, 2023) – Mount St. Mary's women's basketball played strong defense, were disciplined with the ball throughout, and nailed clutch shots in the fourth quarter to secure a 55-46 victory over the Bucknell Bison Tuesday.
Improving to 3-4 on the season, the Mountaineers forced 15 giveaways by the Bison – 13 of which came in the second half – while only committing eight turnovers of their own. Finding success on the glass, the Mount tied the lanky Bison in rebounds and limited the opposition to five offensive boards.
Isabella Hunt led in rebounds with 12 for the evening.
On offense, three players on the home side reached double figures, led by
Jo Raflo with 14.
Jessica Tomasetti added 13, and
Jada Lee matched a career high with 10.
Maddie Novak came off the bench with a strong first half of eight points that included a pair of triples.
Bucknell received a game-high 15 points from Ashley Sofilkanich and a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds from Emma Theodorsson. The Bison fell to 2-7 on the year.
Trailing 36-35 entering the final frame, Tomasetti transferred the advantage back with a clutch trey, beating the shot clock at the 8:51 mark. Raflo followed with a turnover scoop and score to force a Bison timeout. Sharing the ball, more impactful makes by Raflo, Tomasetti and Lee pushed the score to 46-39 with four minutes left. While the offense went quiet until the final minute, tough defense kept Bucknell at bay as the visitors could only trim three points into the margin. Raflo responded with a final three-pointer and efficient foul shooting helped seal the contest.
The home side had to rally from three different six point deficits in the first quarter to put themselves in a position to comeback. Novak stepped up for a pair of triples at the 4:43 and 2:06 mark, both of which pulled the Mount within a possession. Neither side built a lead larger than five until the fourth quarter.
Staying in Emmitsburg, the Mount faces George Mason 1 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 9).
