AMCATS rally for overtime win versus Lions

BOSTON, Mass. – The Anna Maria College women's basketball team overcame a 17-point second half deficit to force overtime and eventually defeat Eastern Nazarene College by a score of 73-72 on Saturday afternoon. The win marked the first conference victory of the season for the AMCATS, who now improve to 7-12 overall and 1-6 in The Commonwealth Coast Conference.

Fueled by junior Samantha Ashton, the AMCATS came out firing, claiming a 10-3 lead early on. Although down early the Lady Lions kept pushing and held a 3 point edge, 26-23, going in the half. Lady Lion, sophomore, Shardae Brown led all scorers at the half with 9 points. At one point Brown went on a 6-0 run of her own. Brown's third bucket gave ENC their first lead of the game.

The Lady Lions built on their momentum of the first period and began the second half with an 18-4 run, extending their lead to 44-27. The AmCats were able to claw their way back into the ball game by applying aggressive ball pressure and capitalizing their opportunities offensively. AMC's 33-16 run, to end the second half, was good enough to force overtime.

Much of the overtime period was decided at the free throw line where the AmCats had a two shot advantage, enough of an advantage to finish the game. AMC had four players in double figures with freshman Kayla Cummings leading the team with 21 points. Sophomore Alison McCarthy and Ashton each had 15, and sophomore Chelsea Blair had 16 points and 14 rebounds. ENC had two players reach double figures, both also had double-double's. Brown ended the game with 12 points and 16 rebounds, while freshman Dianna Bonds had 23 points and 16 rebounds.

The AMCATS will be back in action on Wednesday when they host Nichols College at The Fuller Activities Center for a 6:00 pm start.

Partial Release Courtesy of Eastern Nazarene Sports Information

Photo Courtesy of David Sheridan for AMC Sports Information