BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Four Greyhounds scored in double figures – including a career-high 14 from sophomore guard/forward Alesha Marcks and junior forward Alexis Wright's third double-double of the season – as the Moravian College women's basketball team defeated Albright College 72-62 on Saturday afternoon at Johnston Hall.
The Lions (2-1) roared out to a 12-point first-half lead, but with 13:28 remaining, the tides began to turn. Moravian used a 6-0 run to tighten the score, but Albright held a slim lead until there was one minute left until the intermission. Marcks sunk two free throws and Wright converted a driving layup in the midst of a 30-9 Greyhound run that extended into the second half to take the lead for good.
"We relaxed a little bit and started playing much better defense," head coach Mary Beth Spirk said of the turnaround. "That allowed us to be more aggressive offensively. At first, we looked scared to take the shot or make the drive. Finally, we started taking it to the basket and stepped up the defense."
Marcks came off the bench to score her career-high 14 points on 5-6 shooting, and a perfect 4-4 mark from the free throw line. The sophomore was proud of the accomplishment, but chose to focus on the team win after the game.
"I thought I played great today, but more importantly, the whole team did well today," Marcks said. "It took us a little bit today, but once we started coming together, everything came into place. It's great to feel like I accomplished something and helped my team win at the same time. My role this year is to work with our shooters, know who's on the court at all times and get as many points and rebounds as I can."
The Greyhounds, who improved to 3-1 with the non-conference victory, boasted a balanced attack to close the early deficit and eventually close out the game. Eight different Hounds found the bucket, and four were in double figures at game's end. Wright had game-highs with 16 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks for her third double-double of the season, while senior guard Danielle Brogan tied Marcks for second on the team in scoring on Saturday with 14 points, including two three-point field goals in the second half to help maintain a lead. Senior center Laura Jordan added 13 points on 6-8 shooting, three boards, two blocks and a steal.
"We're going to have to rely on that variety in our scoring," Spirk said. "Alexis is going to score points, but we can't just rely on her to score them all. I was really pleased with our balance. Different kids step up for us at any moment. They play with energy and they work hard."
Albright kept the contest tight down the stretch, trailing by three with 3:12 left in the game. Brogan and Marcks then made back-to-back jumpers for the 65-58 lead, and Marcks added the dagger when she was fouled driving to the basket and converted two from the charity stripe.
"She gives us a lot of energy and she's a good player," Spirk said of Marcks. "She's smart offensively and she's an undersized post player, so she really has to work for her chances offensively, which she did well today. She found her spot at the top of the key, and she played some great defense, as well."
Albright was led by freshman guard Shannon Thomas, who scored 13 points and pulled down four rebounds. Sophomore center Kelecia Harris netted 11 points on 5-7 shooting and registered six rebounds for the Lions.
The Greyhounds picked up the shooting in the second half, converting 41 percent from the floor compared to 36 percent in the opening half. Albright won the rebounding battle 43-41 and also held a 34-26 advantage in the paint. Moravian, however, scored 25 points off Lions' turnovers to help clinch their third victory of the season.
Moravian returns to the court on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at DeSales University for a non-conference game at 6 p.m. before returning home to Johnston Hall for the rivalry game with Muhlenberg College on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. The Matte Award game against the Mules will be a White Out as the Greyhounds encourage all fans to wear white in support of Moravian women's basketball.
