WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ.- A much better defensive effort by the Bucks women's basketball team against Mercer County Community College, but unfortunately, the result remained the same. For the second game in a row, and third time this season, the Lady Centurions held a team under 100 points, but despite that, the Lady Centurions fell to Mercer, 61-16.
"Without a doubt, this was the best defensive game we've played all year," said Head Coach Andre Bright. "The communication on the defensive end was much better than any game we've played so far this season."
Although Bucks' defensive effort was much better, the offensive struggles continue to rear their ugly heads. The first half featured a few more open opportunities, but the misses continued to pile up, allowing for only 6 first half points to be scored. But, their improvements on the defensive end held Mercer to 36 points, the lowest first half amount scored on Bucks this season.
"We worked a lot this week in practice on improving our communication," said Coach Bright. "I'm happy that this game can show the team what kind of an impact communication can have on our success on the defensive end."
After the halftime break, Bucks came out and scored 10 points, a season high for any quarter this season. Playing in her first game since returning from injury, sophomore forward Kailie Mitchell (Bensalem, PA/Bensalem) led the teams scoring in the quarter by hitting three consecutive shots, including a layup and two fifteen foot jumpers. Also coming back from the injury list was sophomore forward Haleigh Kaufmann (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) who also added two points in the quarter.
"Haleigh and Kailie brought us a lot of much needed energy today," said Coach Bright. "They have been chomping at the bit to get back, and it was good to see them contribute."
Freshman forward Korin Bradley (Levittown, PA/Neshaminy) was once again the team's leading scorer with 8 points.
Next up for the Lady Centurions is a home contest, only the second time the Lady Centurions are not on the road this season, against Rowan College at Burlington County on Tuesday, December 4th at 5:00 PM.
