SMC Basketball: Belles extend losing streak to seven games
By HEATHER VAN HOEGARDEN
Sports Writer
Olivet (7-12, 2-6) proved to be too much for Saint Mary's in the second half, as the Lady Comets overcame a 13-point first half deficit to come back and defeat the Belles 67-58.
Amanda Johnston was unstoppable for Olivet, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds in only 24 minutes of action.
Olivet lived up to its billing as a well balanced squad, as three players scored nine points to help out Johnston, who shot eight of 13 from the field. As a team, Olivet shot well, in the second half — 51 percent— to help them pull away. Olivet also out-rebounded Saint Mary's 43-39.
Saint Mary's was dealt another blow earlier in the game, when leading scorer Emily Creachbaum went down with an ankle injury at the 17-minute mark in the second half. However, the Belles were not fazed, as the last time these two teams met, Creachbaum did not play in the Belles victory.
"Losing [Creachbaum] wasn't something that we focused on, because we had beat them without her earlier in the season, but we just couldn't get it done," junior point guard Katie Miller said.
Saint Mary's has had some trouble finishing this season, as they have been outplayed in the second half in many games. However, the Belles (5-14, 1-7) are not getting down about their season just yet.
"We are still staying positive, and focusing on getting a win," Miller said after the team's seventh straight loss. "It was very disappointing that we didn't win, because we needed to beat Olivet, but there are other teams in the conference that we can beat. We will get some `W's,'" said Miller.
The Belles have reason to stay positive, as they played a great first half, building a 13-point lead. However, they were unable to put the game away early, as the Lady Comets went on a 13-4 run to close the half, and cut the lead to four. The Belles then struggled to start the second half, and the Lady Comets never looked back.
"It has been so frustrating," said Miller. "We have struggled in the second half all year long."
Despite the loss, the game was not a total negative for the Belles. Freshmen Anne Hogan and Bridget Boyce were bright spots in the loss, as both scored in double digits, with 13 and 15 points, respectively. Hogan also added six rebounds. Miller was also impressive with ten points.
The Belles now travel to Hope College (19-0, 8-0) on Wednesday night, to face the third-ranked team in the rankings of D3hoops.com — and the MIAA leader.
All Sports Stories for Monday, February 3, 2003
