Women’s Basketball Breaks Losing Streak

By Jason Glickman
Staff Writer

The Sharks women’s basketball team defeated the Red Flash from Saint Francis University 71-53 inside the Steinberg Wellness Center on Monday, Jan. 27. It was an all-around team effort from the Sharks, as three players finished with double digit points, including sophomore guard Brandy Thomas who led all players with 19 points and eight rebounds, and sophomore Kiara Bell, who finished with her season-high 16 points.

The Sharks opened the game strong and refused to look back as they jumped out to a 7-2 lead. The Red Flash tried to catch up, trailing 17-16 with 50 seconds left in the first quarter, but the Sharks responded with a four-point run to close out the first quarter up 21-16.

The Sharks kept going strong, starting the second quarter on a 7-3 run to extend their
lead. The teams continued to trade baskets throughout the quarter and went into halftime with five points separating them, 35-30 in favor of the Sharks.

The third quarter was more of the same, as the Sharks stayed true to their momentum, going on a quick 12-4 run to make it a 47-34 lead starting off the second half. However, the Red Flash finished the third quarter strong on a 7-4 run to cut the Sharks’ lead to 51-41.

The Sharks had a powerful finish as they put the game to bed in the fourth quarter, ending on a 15-5 run. Thomas, who had nine points in that stretch, led her team to their 71-53 victory.

This win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Sharks as they finished up the month of January on a high note. The three-game skid does not showcase the talent that the team displayed in the past few weeks; they fell by four points to the Bryant Bulldogs back on Saturday, Jan. 18, then fell to the Wagner Seahawks 63-61 in overtime on Monday, Jan. 20. The Sharks then faced the undefeated Robert Morris Colonials, and put up a good fight, but not good enough to take down the NEC’s finest.

There is still time for the Sharks to turn their season around after its slow start. After
the win, they improve to 3-5 in conference play, and the Red Flash fell to 6-3.

The Sharks turn their attention to the Merrimack Warriors, who they’ll play for their next
two contests. Women’s basketball is back in action on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. in Merrimack College’s Hammel Court.