NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The Merrimack College women's basketball team lost a thriller as a late comeback attempt was halted in the two point defeat to Rider.
The Basics
Score: Rider 65,
Merrimack 63
Records: Rider (5-15, 3-8),
Merrimack (8-12, 4-7)
Rapid Recap
Merrimack was looking to put Thursday's loss behind them as they we're back in their favorite place at Hammel Court. In the first quarter both teams came out hot on offense. They each traded baskets and leads with Merrimack holding a thin, one point lead after the first 10 minutes of play behind a 10 point frame from
Thalia Shepard. In the second quarter, Rider pounced on the Warriors taking over the lead that would grow throughout the quarter. Merrimack finished the first half trailing 37-28.
The second half, the Warriors fought to get back into it but every haymaker they threw, there was an immediate response from the Broncs. Rider held a 10-point advantage going into the final quarter. The fourth opened up with a Rider three to stretch the deficit to 13 for MC. Merrimack, with pure grit, heart and hustle clawed their way back. One stop after another on the defensive end, along with some major contributions offensively from
Madison Roman,
Thalia Shepard and
Paloma Garcia evened the game up late. Merrimack did have a chance at the end to tie or take the lead but a turnover halted their shot at it as Rider went on to win 65-63.
Notes and Numbers
- Thalia Shepard led all scorers with 20 points
- Madison Roman notched her second straight double-double, totaling 18 points and 13 rebounds
- Paloma Garcia added eight points, eight rebounds and a trio of assists
Up Next
The Warriors head to New York to play Niagara University at 6:00 PM on February 6
th.
Kelly Morrone Postgame Press Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR6dz3YeZwo
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