January 21, 2012

Women's Basketball Run Down by the Bears, Fall 46-39

SWARTHMORE, Pa. - Despite relentlessly fighting back down the stretch to pull within two points, the Swarthmore women's basketball team (7-9, 5-7 CC) fell to the Ursinus Bears (8-9, 7-5 CC) 46-39 in a Centennial Conference battle on Saturday afternoon in Tarble Pavilion.

Sophomore Katie Lytle led the Garnet with 16 points and nine rebounds while freshman Elle Larsen added 11 points and seven rebounds.

Swarthmore fell as far as 10 behind at the start at the second half, but cut the lead to four, 38-34, with six minutes to play. Larsen's presence beneath the basket was felt, and allowed for numerous trips to penalty stripe, which she capitalized on.

Junior Eliza Polli cut the lead to a two-point deficit, draining a three-pointer at the 4:50 mark, But Thomas answered, hitting a dagger of a three to go up 41-36.

With only 1:30 to play and the score 42-39, Ursinus' Lindsay Teuber was sent to the line, hitting a key free-throw to put the Bears up four.

Swarthmore was given its chances but turnovers on three of the Garnet's ensuing possessions lead to a Bears victory.

Both teams struggled to consistently score. The Garnet shot 13-39 (33.3%) from the field. The Bears shot 14-57 (24.6).

Turnovers were the difference maker in the game, as the Garnet would turn the ball over 22 times in the game.

The Garnet started cold as the Bears took an early 8-1 lead, but battled back to get within one at the 13:00 mark, courtesy of a three-pointer made by sophomore Elizabeth Casey.

Swarthmore mustered up tough defense over the next five minutes of play, but conceded a three point-play at eight minute mark to fall behind four points, 13-9.

With 6:30 to play in the half, Larsen made a strong power-move to the hoop to pull the Garnet to within three. But the Bears had an answer.

Ursinus senior, Jackie Thomas drained two three-point shots in the final five minutes to hoist the Bears a to 21-12 lead, but thanks to continued strong post-play from Larsen and two-made free-throws from Lytle, the Garnet headed into the locker room down by a mere four points, 21-17.

The Bears were carried by Thomas (11-3) and Teuber (9-11)

The Garnet return to action on January 25^th, facing off at home against Trico rival, Bryn Mawr. Play is set for 6:00