Crusaders Women Keep Postseason Hopes Alive

MADISON, N.J. - After a tough loss Saturday to the Merchant Marine team they are battling for the fourth Landmark Conference playoff spot, the Susquehanna University women's basketball team rebounded Sunday for a 54-48 win over Drew.

Susquehanna moves to 13-11, 6-7 in Landmark play and, with Merchant Marines' loss to Juniata Sunday, remains in a tie for the fourth and final playoff spot. Drew falls to 6-18, 4-9 in the Landmark. Susquehanna also clinched the third straight winning season in as many years for head coach Jim Reed.

Drew opened the game with a quick four points in the first minute of play, then both teams held til consecutive threes by senior co-captain Bri McNallen (Emmaus, Pa./Emmaus) and freshman Erika Barron (Tamaqua, Pa./Tamaqua) gave the advantage to the Crusaders. Scoring remained tight through most of the first half, with neither team pulling ahead by more than four until Susquehanna went on a 9-0 run to end the period.

Although the Rangers pulled within a basket several times in the second half and mounted a five-point blitz in the final two minutes, the Crusaders never relinquished the lead and held on for the six-point win.

McNallen keyed the Crusader win, leading the team with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. She was 5-of-6 from the line. Barron had five points, two assists and two steals and Rachael Hughes (Gordon, Pa./North Schuylkill) added eight points.

Drew held the advantage in rebounds, 35-25, but Susquehanna shot 41.7 percent to the Rangers' 36 percent.