KINGS POINT, N.Y. – The Moravian College women's basketball team defeated the United States Merchant Marine Academy, 77-56, in Landmark Conference action Saturday afternoon. The Greyhounds (15-9, 8-5 Landmark) were led by sophomore guard Danielle Brogan, who tallied 14 points and four steals.
A layup from freshman forward Alexis Wright got Moravian on the board first. On the next possession Wright would put back another layup for a quick 4-0 lead one minute in. A three-pointer from sophomore forward Alexandra Winfree would bring the Mariners (9-14, 4-9 Landmark) within one point of the lead at 6-5 just two minutes into the contest.
The Greyhounds would then go on a 7-0 run with two layups from junior guard Amanda Kreuder and a three from sophomore guard Katie O'Rourke to go up 13-5, four minutes in.
Junior forward Emily Meehan would bring USMMA within six points of the lead at 17-11 with 12 minutes to play in the first half. Right after that, Moravian would go on a 9-1 run, which included a three-pointer from the corner by Brogan. That would put the Hounds up by 14 points at 26-12 with eight minutes remaining in the half.
The Mariners would fight back and go on a 7-0 run with points from Winfree, Meehan and junior guard Roshenda Josephs. That put USMMA within eight points of the lead at 30-22 with 4:38 to play. That would be as close as the Mariners would get in the first half. The Greyhounds ended the half on an 8-0 run and take a 17 point lead into the locker room at 42-25.
Moravian shot 47-percent from the field while USMMA shot 31-percent from the field in the first half. The Greyhounds also went 3-for-5 from behind the arc and 11-for-14 from the charity stipe in the first half.
Senior forward Alexandra Blair led the Greyhounds with eight points, seven rebounds and a block in the first half while Meehan led the Mariners with seven points.
After a steal from senior forward Alicen Heinrich, she would pass to Josephs, who set freshman guard Demi Van Der Wal for a deep three to start the second half for the Mariners. Another three from sophomore guard Katie Franchois and a layup from freshman forward Rebecca Resor would bring USMMA within 11 points at 44-33, two minutes into the game.
The two teams would keep exchanging shots until Meehan hit a jumper to bring the Mariners with ten points at 50-40 with 11 minutes to go.
The Greyhounds answered right back with a 14-0 run to close the door on USMMA. Brogan started the run scoring the first eight points off of two three-pointers and a layup. Kreuder and O'Rourke finished the run with points of their own to put the Hounds up 64-40 with 7:43 remaining in the contest.
The Mariners would try and get back into the contest but Moravian's defense held on for the 21 points win at 77-56.
Blair recorded a double-double off of 11 points and 11 rebounds to go with three blocks and three steals. Kreuder finished with ten points and three assists while Wright had nine points, seven boards and three blocks. O'Rourke totaled seven points, three assists and two steals while senior guard Hilary Murray had four assists and four points. Sophomore forward Laura Jordan tallied nine points and seven rebounds while classmate guard Laura Casey had six points.
Meehan led the Mariners with ten points and three boards. Van Der Wal finished with ten rebounds and nine points while Winfree totaled seven points. Franchois had eight points while sophomore forward Kristina Walz finished with nine points and six boards.
Moravian shot 46-percent from the field while USMMA shot 29-percent from the field for the game. The Greyhounds went 6-for-10 from three-point range and out rebounded the Mariners 42 to 40. They also committed three less turnovers in the contest.
Moravian returns to action on Saturday, February 18th when they host Landmark Conference foe The University of Scranton. It's senior day and the Teddy Bear Toss Game for the Greyhounds. The contest is scheduled for 2 p.m.
