Box Score Cincinnati, Ohio- The Mount St. Joseph University Lions played host to the Bluffton University Beavers for an HCAC matchup. This game was the first of a 2-game weekend series between the teams. In this game the Lions came away with a 72-69 victory.
The game got off to a fast start for both teams as the Mount was able to score 18 1st quarter points, off of an impressive 46.7% shooting, while holding the Beavers to 15. Maddie Haberthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/ Mother of Mercy) opened the scoring for the Lions off of a quick layup from the opening tip. Shelby Turner (Pendleton, KY. / Pendleton) had an impressive shooting performance in the 1st as she went 2-2 from behind the arc adding six points to the Lions scoring total.. The second quarter saw much of the same in the ways of scoring as the Lions once again outscored the Beavers 14-10. At the break the Lions held a 32-25 lead.
When the 3rd quarter began the Lions looked like they would be able to continue their momentum they had built in the first half as they once again outscored the Beavers. Chloe Jansen (Fort Thomas, KY/ Highlands) and Haberthy added key buckets to help the Mount extend their lead to 10 going into the 4th.
However the Lions had lost their momentum going into the 4th quarter, as the Beavers got hot on the offensive end of the floor. In the 4th Bluffton was able to shoot a game high 53% from the field and 42.9% from the 3-point line. This offensive explosion by the Beavers allowed them to outscore the Lions by 10 in the 4th and end regulation in a tie. Overtime brought more exciting play as the Mount jumped back out to an 65-64 lead with 3:57 left in the game, Bluffton was able to tie the game back up with 1 minute remaining. After this the Lions were able to force a turnover with 37 seconds remaining. The next offensive possession was the key-possession of the game, as the shot clock was expiring the Lions got a huge corner three from senior Jaleah Fair-Harris (Columbus, Ohio/ Centennial) with 10 seconds remaining to seal the 72-69 win for the Mount.
This win was an all around team effort, however three Lions stood out. Haberthy finished the night with a season high and team leading 23 points and an impressive 5 steals. Jansen also had a season high 14 points to go along with 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Kamryn McCool (Brookville, IN/ Franklin County) added 11 points and 4 rebounds.
The Lions will be back in action Saturday, February 6th, at Bluffton as the Lions look to sweep their weekend series against the Beavers. The game will tip off at 3PM. For game coverage check msjlions.com
