Nov. 20, 2007

Box Score

Washington, D.C. - American used a 15-0 run midway through the second period to break open what was a close game on their way to a 60-38 victory over the Wagner Seahawks at Bender Arena. The Green & White fell to 2-1 on the year while the Eagles improved to 2-2.

Sophomore John'a Poole (Middle River, MD / Eastern Tech) scored seven of Wagner's first 11 points in the second half, including a three pointer off a nifty pass from classmate Andrea Reed (Pocomoke City, MD / Pocomoke) to cut American's lead to 37-30 with 12:02 remaining. American quickly shifted the tide with three-straight three pointers from Liz Hayes, sparking a game-changing 15-0 run over the next 5:20 to make it 52-30 in favor of the Eagles with 6:45 to go. The Seahawk-offense also had just one field goal over the final 12:05 and shot 22.2 percent in the final period.

For the game, Wagner shot a season-low 27.1 percent (13-48) from the floor and were out-rebounded 44-33. American went 19-27 from the charity stripe while the Green & White managed to hit just 9-18. The Seahawk-bench was a bright spot as they hit for a season-best 15 points, matching their combined total from the first two games.

The first half was marred by sloppy play as the two teams combined for 35 turnovers and just 16 field goals. American took an 11-3 lead to start the game and went into the half up 29-19.

The Seahawks stayed in the game thanks to their relentless defensive pressure, forcing American into 16 turnovers and 37.5 percent shooting (9-24). Also keeping it close for Wagner was the play of reserves junior Casey Stokes (Hummelstown, PA / Lower Dauphin), freshman Stephanie McBride (Mechanicville, NY / Catholic Central) and junior Helen Swartley (Staten Island, NY / St. Joseph's Hill). The trio combined for 11 points, on 5-6 shooting, after three Seahawk starters were sent to the bench with two fouls apiece.

Poole and senior Chelsey Bunyer (Shannon, IL / Eastland) led Wagner with seven points apiece. Senior Ali Ridge (Barrington, IL / Fremd) had a game-high eight rebounds and three steals to highlight the defensive-effort.

Hayes paced American with a game-high 18 points, fueled by four three pointers, with five assists.

Wagner returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 7 pm when the Seahawks head to Saint Peter's.