SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Susquehanna University women's basketball team battled nationally ranked No. 12 Christopher Newport throughout Sunday's Susquehanna Tipoff Tournament championship game. The River Hawks held an eight-point lead going into the fourth quarter, but the Captains delivered 24 points in the final frame to take a 68-63 victory.
Susquehanna (1-1) turned in a strong second quarter to take a halftime advantage and continued to trade baskets with the Captains down the stretch.
Sydney Weyant and
Annie Greek were both recognized for their performances over the weekend, earning spots on the Susquehanna All-Tipoff Tournament Team.
How It Went Down
- The championship matchup opened with a back-and-forth first quarter as both teams looked to establish their offensive rhythm. After Christopher Newport grabbed an early advantage, Susquehanna responded with contributions throughout the lineup to stay within striking distance. The River Hawks closed the opening period with a 13-11 lead, setting the stage for an exciting second quarter.
- Susquehanna found its offensive stride in the second period, putting together an impressive 25-point quarter to take control of the contest. The River Hawks shot an efficient 53.8 percent from the floor, connecting on seven of their 13 attempts while knocking down all four of their three-point attempts. Weyant helped fuel the offensive effort, while Greek and Zoie Maffei provided additional scoring contributions. The River Hawks carried a 38-31 advantage into the halftime break after outscoring the Captains 25-20 in the period.
- The Captains began chipping away at the Susquehanna lead in the third quarter, but the River Hawks continued to answer. Susquehanna added 14 points in the period, with Weyant, Maffei and Greek helping maintain the offensive pressure. The teams traded baskets throughout the quarter, and the River Hawks entered the final 10 minutes holding a 52-44 advantage.
- Christopher Newport made its push in the fourth quarter, using a 24-point period to erase the deficit and take the lead. The River Hawks continued to fight offensively, but the Captains capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, converting all eight of their attempts in the final period.
- Trailing 64-56, Susquehanna went on a 8-2 run to cut the deficit to 66-64 with possession. This opportunity in the final minute resulted in a missed shot and a Captains rebound, forcing the River Hawks to foul and where CNU closed the game out making their remaining free throws.
Inside the Box Score
- Weyant led the River Hawks offensively with 18 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and connecting on three three-pointers. She also added four rebounds and seven assists while playing 39 minutes.
- Maffei delivered a strong all-around performance with 11 points and a team-high 13 rebounds, recording a double-double. She also dished out four assists and added four steals to lead Susquehanna defensively.
- Greek finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Greta Servitto contributed eight points and a team-high five assists. Avery Nelson provided an important spark off the bench, going a perfect 2-for-2 from the floor, including a three-pointer, to finish with five points. Kate Henn added four points and three rebounds.
- As a team, Susquehanna shot 34.9 percent from the floor and 31.8 percent from beyond the arc.
- As a team, Susquehanna held a 47-44 advantage on the glass, including 16 offensive rebounds, and finished with 17 assists compared to Christopher Newport's 13. The River Hawks also matched the Captains with seven three-pointers.
- Christopher Newport finished with a slight advantage in field goals, making 23-of-70 attempts (32.9%) compared to Susquehanna's 22-of-63 (34.9%). The Captains also converted 15 free throws to the River Hawks' 12. Susquehanna shot 80.0 percent from the free-throw line, compared to Christopher Newport's 71.4 percent.
- The River Hawks' ball movement and rebounding helped keep them competitive throughout the championship matchup, but Christopher Newport capitalized on 25 Susquehanna turnovers to record 28 points off turnovers, compared to 19 for the River Hawks.
- Weyant and Greek were named to the Susquehanna Tipoff Tournament All-Tournament Team following their performances over the two-day event.
- Christopher Newport's Sarah Pritz earned All-Tournament honors, while teammate Madizon McKenzie was named Tournament MVP. McKenzie scored 19 points in the win, making 8-of-9 free throws, while Pritz delivered 12 points.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- Susquehanna returns to action next Saturday, November 14, traveling to Allentown, Pennsylvania, to take on Muhlenberg College. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
