By Aren LeBrun, News Correspondent
Despite pouring in a season-high 10 three-pointers on Sunday afternoon, the Northeastern women’s basketball team could not pull out a road win against Drexel University, falling to the Dragons, 55-52.
While solid defense and free throw shooting cut the late double-digit margin to just three points down the stretch, there was eventually not enough time to mount a full comeback as Drexel held on to win in a tightly contested finish.
The game marks the fourth straight loss for the Huskies (7-11, 1-4 Colonial Athletic Association), who have struggled out of the gate in conference play.
“We’re a young squad,” head coach Daynia La-Force said. “Right now there’s a lot being thrown at them, and they’re not being able to retain and execute everything that we ask them to execute.”
The Huskies were paced by Tiffany Montagne’s team-high 13 points, nine of which came from three-pointers. The sophomore guard also recorded three assists and two rebounds.
Junior guard Amencie Mercier and sophomore forward Samantha DeFreese each chipped in nine points. Freshman center Francesca Sally scored five points and pulled down four boards in the first collegiate start of her career.
Sophomore guard Rachel Pearson led the way for Drexel, pouring in a game-high 23 points. Senior forward Fiona Flanigan chipped in seven points and a game-high nine rebounds to go along with her three assists and two blocked shots.
“There is nothing that they are doing out there that is what we ask them to do,” said La-Force. “They’re doing things because they’re exhausted, because they’re not focused.”
Northeastern started the game well, jumping out to a quick 8-0 lead. Sally buried a three-pointer and senior center Jewel Tunstull combined with Mercier to score five points and continue the run.
Drexel answered with four points of its own, but Montagne briefly quieted the comeback with a 5-0 run by herself off a three-pointer and jump shot.
The Dragons then found their offensive rhythm, busting out a 10-0 run to gain a one point advantage over the Huskies. Two long balls from Mercier and sophomore guard Kazzidy Stewart helped Northeastern regain the lead.
The teams exchanged baskets for the next few minutes, until Drexel jumped ahead with a 7-0 run. Tunstull scored a layup to stop the bleeding, but the Dragons still entered halftime with a 32-26 lead over Northeastern.
The Huskies seized the momentum early in the second period, with DeFreese and Stewart each nailing threes. Pearson answered the call for Drexel, splashing in two of her six long balls to push the Dragon lead to double-figures.
Late game free throws from Tunstull and DeFreese cut the margin to three points, but Drexel forced a costly turnover, going on to seal the game from the foul line and secure a 55-52 victory.
Northeastern shot 39 percent from the floor on the afternoon, including 44 percent from long range. Drexel hit 35 percent from the field, including 39 percent from three-point territory.
The Huskies have had their struggles thus far in CAA play, dropping four straight conference games, two of which were double-figure losses.
“If we can’t get our house in order, it’s going to be a long season.” La-Force said.
The Huskies hit the road to take on the University of Delaware (11-6, 3-3 CAA) on Thursday. Northeastern dropped both games to Delaware last season, as the Blue Hens went on to win the CAA championship. This season is a bit of a different story for Delaware, as last year’s team leader and All American guard/forward Elena Delle Donne currently plays professionally for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.
Northeastern will look to capitalize on her absence on Thursday and pick up its first win against the Blue Hens since the Huskies joined the CAA in 2005. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
