Marist women’s basketball (13-12, 8-7 MAAC) stormed into snowy Buffalo, NY and defeated the Canisius Golden Griffins (7-18, 6-9) in overtime 69-62.
The Red Foxes and junior center Morgan Lee came out firing. After two low-block feeds, she used the glass on both layups that ultimately fell. This had her at already nine points with 2:40 remaining in the first quarter. During the two teams’ first matchup earlier in the season, Lee finished with 18.
Much of the offense in quarter number one moved through Lee, but sophomore guard Julia Corsentino set her up twice in the opening frame. Corsentino is a master in transition while maintaining her cool when the offense gets set up.
Marist knew that 5’5’’ senior guard Jaela Johnson had several moves in her back pocket, but Johnson excelled tonight with her off-ball movement. Her movement without the rock forced Marist into quick switches and miscommunication.
With just under 11 minutes played, there were already 10 combined turnovers. The game didn’t look sloppy, but the quick passing from both teams led to some blunders. The game finished with 37 combined turnovers.
Canisius continued to trail throughout the second quarter, but they never went down by double digits; they stayed in the game despite Marist’s efficient shooting and transition offense.
The Golden Griffins wanted to pressure the Red Fox ball-handlers as soon as they crossed half court, but Marist moved the ball so well that it led to missed assignments and scoring opportunities.
Foul trouble snuck up on Marist junior forward Ciara Croker in the second quarter. She picked up her third with 5:22 remaining in the frame. Croker has been steady from three and a force on the block defensively, meaning this Red Fox defense needed to step up to go into the half with a comfortable lead.
Hacks were also an issue for the Griffins in the second quarter. They gave up two and-1’s, one of them coming off of a beautiful crossover by freshman guard Danielle Williamsen. She used her body to draw contact and sunk the layup, along with the free throw to complete the three-point play.
With 4:22 left in the half, junior guard Tarul buried a corner three to put the Red Foxes up nine points. The Fordham transfer ended the contest with 3 three-pointers and 19 points.
Corsentino got onto the score sheet with 1:20 remaining in half number one, extending the lead to ten, but Canisius quickly answered with a three-pointer to cut the Marist lead to seven points.
The Morgan Lee-led Red Foxes led by seven heading into the half, but this lead would quickly extend to double digits as Lee found a cutting Tarul who completed yet another three-point play.
After a good boxout and rebound, Piddock pushed the pace, finding a wide-open Tarul who buried another triple, taking her to 14 points in the contest with still 8:33 left to go in the third quarter.
With 4:19 left to play in the third, Canisius looked to Johnson and let her do what she does best; carve her way to the basket and draw contact. Johnson got fouled, nailed the free throw, and cut the Marist lead to five. Canisius trailed by as many as 13 in the third but went into the fourth only down by six.
To start the final period of play, Canisius scored twice, trimming the Red Foxes’ lead to two. This was the closest they were to even since the first quarter.
Jaela Johnson tied the game with a deep three-pointer but then committed a defensive foul that allowed Marist to regain the lead.
After a traveling violation by the Griffs, Marist got the ball back with 21 seconds to play, but Ciara Croker hit the side of the rim at the buzzer with a chance to win. The game headed to overtime.
After the Griffins’ 21st turnover of the game, Marist largely controlled the overtime period.
Marist finished out the game to earn their 13th win of the year in a hard-fought one filled with turnovers and great defense from both sides.
Marist stays upstate to face Niagara on Saturday, Feb. 22. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
Edited by Marley Pope
Graphic by Quinn DiFiore; Photo from Marist Athletics
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