Women’s basketball falls to Assumption at home

Bobby Martinez – Staff Writer –

Following a win against St. Thomas Aquinas College, the Owls women’s basketball team (2-2) returned home to face undefeated Assumption (4-0). The team lost 68-47; mostly due to the 24 point lead that Assumption built in the first half.

Moni Smith-Ocran continued her very good early season with another double-double: 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The Owls fell into a hole early, trailing 13-6 after the opening 10 minutes. Danielle Powell provided Southern with a spark off the bench with five points, while also helping on the defensive end.

Miscues on the defensive end left the Assumption shooters wide open at times. Turnovers were also an issue throughout the game; the Owls had 29 in all.

“Our effort needs to be a lot more consistent, with such a young team,” head coach Meghan Brown said. Brown said that her team also needs to play with more of a sense of urgency and that their competitiveness needs to pick up.

The Owls shot just 26% in the first half, including an zero-for-six mark from three point range. The team did play much better after halftime, shooting 46% from then on, but was unable to cut into the lead.

The rebound battle was close, with Assumption barely edging out the Owls 38-35. Elsewhere though, the stats weren’t close. Assumption shot 43% overall and 40% from three while committing 13 less turnovers than the Owls.

“We settled too much,” Brown said. “We understand it takes constant effort and work and communication on the court.”

The Owls will take to the road next to play against Pace University on Nov. 28 in New York. Following this game, the team will head back home for games on Dec. 1 and Dec. 4 against American International College and LeMoyne.