Cougars Drop First Game of Season to Scranton,
59-57
UNION, N.J. - (12/19/06) University of Scranton senior guard
Allison Matt (Allentown, Pa.) scored a game-high 17 points,
including the 1000th of her career, and gave the Lady Royals the
lead for good with 7:04 remaining, as Scranton rallied past host
Kean University, 59-57, in non-conference women's basketball action
on Tuesday evening.
For fifth-ranked Scranton (7-1), Matt also added four assists
and six rebounds, while sophomore guard Ebony Jackson (Newark,
N.J.) scored a season-high 15 points to lead the Cougars (8-1).
The Lady Royals took their first lead of the game with 9:37 left
in the contest, as junior guard Julie Brophy (Exton, Pa.) knocked
down a three-pointer for the 46-43 lead. With the game tied at
48-48, Matt hit a three-pointer with just over seven minutes
remaining to give Scranton the lead for good.
Kean had the ball with 48 seconds remaining trailing 57-56,
however Jackson's jumper in the lane rimmed out with 15 seconds
left and Matt grabbed the defensive rebound for the Lady Royals and
was fouled. Matt knocked down both free throws to increase the lead
to 59-56 and Scranton sent Jackson to the foul line with two
seconds left on the Cougars next possession. After making the first
free throw, Jackson intentionally missed the second, however
Scranton senior center Tiffaney Williams (Scranton, Pa.) grabbed
the rebound to seal the win.
The Cougars raced out to 19-5 lead to start the game as Jackson
and freshman guard Cardiss Jackman (Tobyhanna, Pa.) each had six
points, and Kean held a 27-20 lead at intermission.
In the victory, senior guard Taryn Mellody (Dunmore, Pa.) added
11 points and six rebounds, while Williams had six points, six
rebounds, three blocks and three steals.
For the Cougars, Jackson added eight rebounds and five assists,
while junior forward Chari' Cooper (Paulsboro, N.J.) recorded her
fourth straight double-double with 14 points and a game-high 16
rebounds off the bench. Sophomore guard Melissa Beyruti (Union
City, N.J.) also finished in double-figures for Kean, as she added
14 points and six steals.
Scranton hit 12-of-14 free throws, while the Cougars converted
on just 3-of-8 foul shots for the game.
