Opening Round of Playoffs Underway!
Tuesday, March 18
College Girls Division - Opening Round
Umass 20 - Villanova 19
In an overly exciting game between two evenly matched teams the Ladies of Umass came out on top, earning a spot in the semifinals. Ashley Espinal, 9pts, led all scorers with 9pts, but Erin Green, 6pts, chose the perfect spot to have her best game of the season. Katie LeFrancois, scored 4pts with Christa Leger chipping in for 6pts for the Wildcats. Julie Shea, 3pts, Abrielle Stevens, 2pts and Jackie Pannenton 2pts all played well for the ‘Cats. Other scorers for Umass were Emma Woolshire, 3pts, and Brianna Rodriguez, 2pts, played ferocious defense on the ‘Nova guards.
Tennessee 15 - Kentucky 11
The Volunteers outscored the Kentucky Wildcats 4-0 in overtime to clinch the victory and advance. Alexandria Bozarjian, 6pts led the Vols in scoring with Micaela Dionne putting in another 4pts. Mirlene Sanchez, 4pts, and Nicole LaPointe, 5pts, had a nice game inside for Kentucky; who forced the extra frame when Jessica Tassinieri scored a breakaway lay-up in the games final seconds. Chloe Dragon, and Cynthia Garcia each scored 2pts providing the margin in their win.
Pro Girls - Opening Round
Sun 44 - Liberty 17
The Sun routed the Liberty thanks to the spectacular shooting of April Hannable, 18pts.
Ivelyse Arroyo, scored 12pts helping her team towards the win. Maria Rodriguez, supplied most of the Liberty’s output with 10pts, while Jonalis Morel, 4pts, also played well for her team. Vanermi Figeuroa, had 8pts on all fast break lay-ups with Rachel Zipper adding another 2pts. Shannon Tucker, 2pts also scored for the Liberty.
Rockers 34 - Shock 31
It was certainly Ashley O’Keefe’s night, scoring 24pts by hitting shots from every angle and distance. Hannah Wilkins, 6pts, provided the added scoring for The Rockers. Courtney Shearstone, led the Shock with 12pts. Crystal Stepnick, 6pts, was force inside for her Shock.
Monday, March 17
College Boys Division - Opening Round
Duke 38 - Boston College 28
The Blue Devils advanced to the Quarterfinals with big victory over the Eagles. Brian Lora had 16pts off the bench for Duke, shooting 3-4 from the stripe and hitting a late three to ice the game. Jonathon Swasey scored 18 of his teams points in the loss capping a good season. Jared Louf-Woods dominated the paint with 10pts; while Cael Schaejbe was impressive with 12pts.
Syracuse 56 - Indiana 45
The Syracuse Orangemen outlasted the Hoosiers in one of the highest scoring games in recent memory. Jefferson Akers led all scorers with 22pts leading the way to a win and quarterfinal match-up with the top-seeded Tar Heels. Anthony Harris, 21pts and his counterpart Aidan Scrimgeour, 19pts, played tremendously for Indiana but couldn’t quite produce enough to overcome The Orange’s team play. Nathan Montero, 14pts and Chris Matton, 11pts exemplified that team effort. While Yusben and Yadonis combined for 10pts in the Syracuse win and Andrew MacNichol had a great game defensively with his 4pts.
Pro Boys - Opening Round
Lakers 39 - Jazz 38
The interior strength of The Lakers’ Jeff Peras, 16pts, was just too much for the Dead Eye shooting of the Jazz. Kyle Gauthier, 10pts, drilled 3 three-pointers for the Jazz with Junior nailing another 2 three’s. Troy Gilbert, 8pts, and Alvin Rodriguez, 6pts, provide plenty of support in the Lakers win giving them a shot at the Semifinal against the Spurs. Mike Daly also played very well with well timed jump shots and pesky defense. Steven “Figgy’ Cruz scored 6pts and held down the Lakers guards on D, with Jefferson Akers scoring 5pts.
Knicks 48 - Magic 36
The Knicks shot the ball extremely well in their first round matchup against the Magic. Nick Salamida, 8pts, got the Knickerbockers off to a quick start; and Marvin Baez finished the deal with 16pts, including 9pts on 3 three-pointers in the 3rd quarter. Jesse Williams, 10pts, and Emilio Beato, 9pts, were the leading scorers; to go along with Ben Kapnis, 8pts, the final 3pts coming on a 35 foot jumper with about 25 seconds to go, and JonathonMorel who had 6pts. Christian Dunston played well offensively with 9pts, setting up a semifinal matchup with the #1 Celtics.