BROOKLYN, NY – The Merrimack College Women's basketball team secured their third straight win in a thrilling victory over LIU in which
Paloma Garcia hit a last second shot to win the Warriors the game.
The Basics
Score: LIU 59,
Merrimack 61
Records: LIU (6-19, 3-9),
Merrimack (10-15, 7-5)
Location: Steinberg Wellness Center / Brooklyn, NY
Rapid Recap
A thriller in Brooklyn to say the least. The Warriors and Sharks met just 8 days ago on the hardwood in North Andover where Merrimack pulled out a convincing double digit victory. The story would not be the same today. The Sharks would come out on fire and put up 19 points in the first quarter going up 19-15 after one. The second quarter saw some great play from both sides but it was LIU winning the frame once again. After the Warriors tied it up they would double their lead going up eight points at the halfway point at 31-23.
The second half was about the Warriors flipping the script. Merrimack would continue to cut into the Sharks lead. The Warriors trounced LIU to start the third going on a 10-1 run taking the lead early on. They would be able to maintain that lead and even extend it at points but would go into the fourth up 44-41. The fourth quarter was full of a little bit of everything and there was certainly no shortage of action. Each team had responses to one another's baskets and it came down to the wire. Tied up at 59 a piece with under 10 seconds to play, the Warriors held possession. The ball would be in the hands of freshman phenom Paloma "Swaggy P" Garcia where she would drive the lane and put up a floater over her defender with just 4 seconds remaining to give the Warriors the lead. Merrimack would hold strong on the final defensive possession giving them the win over LIU in a season sweep of the Sharks.
Notes and Numbers
- Paloma Garcia chipped in 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists
- Jayme DeCesare led the Warriors in points with 12 adding another 4 assists to her season total as well
- Diamond Christian was all over the floor scoring 5 points but more importantly had 8 rebounds and 5 assists
Up Next
Merrimack will play in its final road game of the year with a matchup in Loretto, PA against St. Francis on Thursday February 22nd.
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For continuing coverage of Merrimack College Athletics, visit MerrimackAthletics.com and follow the Warriors on Twitter and on Facebook.
