Susquehanna Tops Drew For Sixth-Straight Win

SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Susquehanna University's freshman forward Gina Palazzi (Newfoundland, Pa./Wallenpaupack) recorded her first career double-double with a game-high-tying 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds to lead host Susquehanna past Drew University, 65-46, in a Landmark Conference women's basketball game on "Pink Zone" Day at Orlando W. Houts Gymnasium on Feb. 6.

Palazzi came off the bench to make a game-high six free-throws (on nine attempts) and collected seven offensive rebounds in 15 minutes of action.

Susquehanna (13-9, 7-4 Landmark) jumped out to a 9-3 advantage over Drew (11-10, 2-9 Landmark) in the first 6 minutes, 29 seconds of the game. Drew answered back with a 9-2 run to take its only lead of the game at 12-11 with 8:32 remaining in the first half. After Palazzi sank a free throw to tie the game at 12, the Crusaders went on a 15-6 run to post a 27-18 halftime lead.

SU's senior guard Ashley Watkins (La Habra Heights, Calif./Rosary) notched a team-high-tying 12 points on five-of-eight shooting from the field and added five boards. Teammate and sophomore guard/forward Jessica Zigarelli (Warren, N.J./Watchung Hills Regional) chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Crusaders junior guard Rachael Hughes (Gordon, Pa./North Schuylkill) handed out a game-high-tying five assists, while fellow junior guard Erika Barron (Tamaqua, Pa./Tamaqua Area) made a game-high-tying two steals.

Sophomore guard Korey McCaffrey (Millheim, Pa./Penns Valley Area) also made two steals, while sophomore forward Jennifer Butts (Frackville, Pa./North Schuylkill) added six points and eight rebounds.

Drew used two quick three-pointers to open the second half and cut the lead to just three points with 18:43 left in the game. The score remained close until Zigarelli hit a three to push the lead back out to eight points (36-28) with 15:30 to go. SU went on to outscore the Rangers, 29-18, for the remainder of the contest.

Drew's sophomore guard Katherine Luby (Old Saybrook, Conn./Choate Rosemary Hall) registered a team-high 11 points and added seven rebounds. Teammate and junior forward Jessica Reid (Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth Area) pulled down a team-high eight boards, while sophomore guard Danielle Barber (Cape May Court House, N.J./Middle Twp.) dished out five assists. registered a team-high 11 points and added seven rebounds.

Susquehanna forced 22 turnovers and outrebounded Drew, 46-39, including 19 offensive boards.

The Crusaders also held Drew to just 32-percent shooting from the floor (16-for-50).

Story provided by Susquehanna Sports Information