Posted: Feb 25, 2022
SHERMAN, Texas - Austin College senior guard Natalie McCoy had a game-high 26 points to lead the fifth-seeded 'Roos to a 69-55 victory over fourth-seeded Schreiner University Friday evening in the quarterfinal round of the 2022 SCAC Women's Basketball Tournament. Official Tournament Website | Photo Gallery | Postgame Interview
Playing on their home floor, Austin College jumped out to a quick 10-1 lead, fended off a second quarter run by the Mountaineers to take a 36-29 halftime lead and never trailed again.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Austin College held Schreiner to 26.4 percent (19-72) from the field while shooting 43.1 percent (22-51) themselves.
- Schreiner, the leading offensive rebounding team in the league, grabbed 23 offensive boards, but despite holding a 23-11 advantage on the offensive glass, only had 10 second-chance points to Austin College's eight.
- The 'Roos led by as many as 14 with 1:38 remaining in the third quarter, and the closest Schreiner would get would be six at 54-48 with 6:14 remaining before Austin College extended its lead to the final 14-point margin.
- Austin College outscored Schreiner 34-26 in the paint, but the Mountaineers held a distinct 33-12 advantage in bench points, as reserve Elisa Peralta of Schreiner outscored the entire AC bench with 13 points in 23 minutes.
AUSTIN COLLEGE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Natalie McCoy: 26 points, seven rebounds, two assists
- Kacie West: 11 points, six rebounds, three steals, two assists
- Sarah Putnicki: 10 points, eight rebounds, two blocks
SCHREINER STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Elisa Peralta: 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists
- Gabby Ivarra: nine points, seven rebounds, three steals
- Demauria Miles: eight points, five rebounds, five assists
NOTABLES
- Friday’s game was the second consecutive year and fourth time overall Austin College and Schreiner have met in the SCAC Tournament. After losing the first two meetings, Austin College has now evened the tournament series with wins last year and this year (both in the quarterfinal round).
- Austin College took advantage but host schools have not fared particularly well in its opening game of previous conference tournaments. Even with AC's win, the host school is just 8-9 in its first tournament game playing on its home floor (excluding last season when the high seed hosted games throughout the event).
- Austin College has advanced to the semifinal round each of the last seven tournaments. Only Trinity - the 'Roos next oppenent - with 10 consecutive semifinal appearances has a longer streak among active members.
- The two had split their two regular season matchups this season, with both winning on their home floor. Schreiner's 92-68 victory on Feb. 5 was their widest margin of victory in any conference game they played this season.
- Schreiner ends its season with a 13-13 record.
UP NEXT
Austin College (10-15) advances to take on top-seeded Trinity University in Saturday's first women's semifinal. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 pm.
Austin College (10-15) advances to take on top-seeded Trinity University in Saturday's first women's semifinal. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 pm.
