DELHI, N.Y. (December 14, 2019) – The SUNY Delhi women's basketball team hung tight with Alfred State through three quarters in Saturday's home contest, never trailing by more than one possession at each quarter break. But early foul trouble and a series turnovers in the fourth quarter gave the Pioneers some breathing room for an 82-72 win. The Broncos enter winter break with a 1-9 record.
The Broncos outshot the Pioneers, making 52.5 percent (31-for-59), including 6-of-19 from long range, while Alfred State made 48.4 percent (31-for-64) and 4-of-11, respectively. Kiera Holland led the game with 22 points, shooting 10-of-17 with four rebounds and five assists. Sam Acuna made three 3-pointers on her way to 18 points, while Samiaya Salley produced 13 points and tying a team high with both five rebounds and five assists. These efforts kept Delhi on pace with the Pioneers, trailing just 20-19 after the first quarter, 41-38 at halftime, and 61-58 following the third.
Though Holland's jumper with 4:28 remaining tied the game up at 67-67, A-State answered with seven straight points, beginning with a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession, followed by a pair of layups. In addition, the Broncos had already accrued four team fouls to A-State's one, opening the door for the Pioneers to shoot a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line down the stretch. Alfred State finished the afternoon making 16-of-20 free throws, while the Broncos made 4-of-6.
The Pioneers forced the Broncos into 29 turnovers, including ten in the fourth quarter, to finish with a 31-23 lead in points off turnovers. Alfred State held a narrow 33-30 lead in rebounds, as well as 12-2 in fastbreak points.
Justine Lubbers finished with eight points and four rebounds, while Camryn McDonald took in four points and five rebounds to tie for the team lead. Carissa Crandall made one 3-pointer for three points with two rebounds and two assists. Brenna Gioffe made two points with four rebounds and two assists, as Katelyn lewis finished with two points, three rebounds and three assists.
Head coach Lauren McRoberts' team returns from winter break heading to Western Connecticut State for the two-day Hat City Tournament. They play the host WCS Colonials on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 3:00 p.m., then will play in either the championship or consolation game on Monday, Dec. 30.
