BEREA, Oh. - Nationally ranked University of Chicago (#18) pulled away in the third quarter of Friday's first round NCAA matchup at Baldwin Wallace and took down the Redhawks, 80-57. La Roche scored 40 of their 56 points in the first half where they shot 13 of 27 (48%) from the floor and 8 of 16 (50%) from three point range. Over the next two quarters, LRU scored just 16 points and shot 6-24 (25%) from the field and 1 of 12 (8%). Head Coach Kamela Gissendanner stated in the post game interview that UChicago's switch at halftime from man to man defense to a 2/3 zone threw off the Redhawks offensive momentum they built in the first.
Junior F Ayanna Mazyck scored 16 of her team-high 20 points in the first half of tonight's game. Mazyck shot 8 of 18 from the field and contributed three rebounds, a steal and a block.
Senior F Jenna Cole closed out her distinguished career with a strong performance, posting 11 points, six rebounds and an assist.
Off the bench, Dashá Jackson contributed 10 points, two rebounds and a block in just 14 minutes of action.
Final: La Roche: 57, Chicago: 80
Records La Roche (20-7), Chicago (21-5)
How it Happened
Dasja Anderson found Jenna Cole at the top of the key and Cole drained the first shot of the game to put the Redhawks up 3-0. The teams would go bucket for bucket and the score was tied 9-8 with 6:40 to play in the first. Then, the Redhawks went on a quick 5-0 run capped by another Jenna Cole 3-PT to go up six. Chicago would work their way back into the game and take the lead 22-21 after one.
The Maroons offense came out swinging to start the second quarter by going on an 10-2 run go up 32-23. LRU responded by going on a 9-0 run of their own capped off by back-to-back treys from shooter Ayanna Mazyck to put the Redhawks back within one. The score remained close over the next four minutes, UChicago led 42-41 with 1:47 to go in the second. Then, the Maroons strung together a quick 6-0 run and headed into the break ahead 47-40.
Midway through the third quarter, UChicago took over. After leading 54-45 with 7:01 to play in the third, both teams went scoreless for nearly two and half minutes before the Maroons pulled off an 11-1 run and never looked back.
Inside the Box Score
UChicago won the battle of the boards, out-rebounding LRU 36-29.
Offensively, the Maroons dominated inside the paint, scoring 44 of their total 88 points there.
La Roche committed 19 personal fouls and UoC capitalized. The Marrons knocked down 18 of 24 (75%) free throw attempts.
Dasja Anderson, Shaundrea Butler and Danajah Sanders each contributed five points.
Friday night is just the seventh time this season the Redhawks have scored less than 60 points.
LRU is now 0-8 at the big dance. Although talented Senior F Jenna Cole is irreplaceable, she is the only Senior graduating. Meaning, most of La Roche's team will stay in tact as they look to make another push for their first NCAA tournmanet win next season.