LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – The Merrimack College Women's Basketball team won a overtime thriller against future MAAC opponent Siena College behind a career performance from Thalia Shepard.
The Basics
Score: Siena 64, Merrimack 67
Records: Siena (2-2, 0-0), Merrimack (2-5, 0-0)
Location: UHY Center / Loudonville, New York
Rapid Recap
WOW. What a game it was in New York. The Warriors were coming off of a Thanksgiving trip to Utah and looked to put the loss in the rear view mirror. That's not exactly what it looked to be early in this contest. Merrimack trailed after the first quarter by four points and the offense looked sluggish. The second quarter saw a complete and utter flip of the script as they took a large lead. It was propelled by a 14-4 run as the Warriors took a 30-23 lead and would go into the half up six.
The second half started with the two teams trading baskets and possessions with neither grabbing an edge. Merrimack was able to extend their lead to eight heading into the final frame at 47-39. The fourth quarter saw the Warriors hold their eight point advantage up until the 6:28 mark when it was cut to five. Merrimack was able to keep the Saints attack at bay and maintain a lead. That lead quickly dissipated under a minute as Siena went up two with 17 seconds remaining. However, it was Paloma Garcia with the clutch gene as she drove the lane and scored to tie it up with just four seconds left. She was also fouled on the play but could not hit the free throw sending the game into overtime.
The overtime period did not lack any action as well. Both teams were able to score early however it was the Warriors taking an advantage after back to back fastbreak scores to go up four with time ticking down. A massive possession that saw three offensive rebounds for the Warriors milked precious time away from the Saints. Ultimately it would be Thalia Shepard scoring a game sealing turnaround jumper to secure the 67-64 road win.
Notes and Numbers
- Shepard was near unstoppable with 24 points
- Staton claimed a double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds
- DeCesare snatched 4 boards and added 9 points
Up Next
Merrimack gets right back to action with a home game in Lawler Arena Friday December 1st at 11:00 AM against UC Riverside.
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