Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Lehigh
Bucknell Women's Basketball Suffers 69-47 Setback at Lehigh
1/27/2010 7:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 27, 2010
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Bucknell women's basketball struggled to put points on the board early and keep pace with Lehigh as the Bison fell 69-47 to the Mountain Hawks at Stabler Arena on Wednesday night. Despite shooting better than 46 percent (12-for-26) in the second half, the Bison took their fourth Patriot League loss, falling to 6-13 overall and 2-4 in the league.
The first half was one of errors for the Bison. Lehigh's pressure defense made it difficult for Bucknell to get any offense started and forced the Bison into a number of mistakes. As the teams went into the locker room, Bucknell had committed 16 turnovers, leading to 15 points for Lehigh.
Those points were slow coming for the Mountain Hawks initially. At the first media timeout, both teams were tied at 2 apiece. The break in play proved to be a difference maker for Lehigh, however, as it quickly jumped in front 10-2 in just over one minute.
That advantage turned into 15-2 at the 11:46 mark. The Bison eventually got back on the board soon after on a free throw from Felicia Mgbada (Edison, N.J./Blair Academy) and a pair of layups from Lindsay Horbatuck (Avon, Conn./Avon) and Rachel Voss (Cincinnati, Ohio/Loveland). The quick burst of offense brought the Mountain Hawks' lead to 17-7, but the Bison's hopes of getting their deficit down to single digits were ended on a three-point play from Erica Prosser.
Turnovers continued to creep into play throughout the frame and at the half, Bucknell found itself down 28-17. Only Cosima Higham (Brooklyn, N.Y./Poly Prep Country Day) and Trisha Krewson (Sandusky, Ohio/Perkins) had scored more than once with Higham leading the way with six points.
Bucknell tried to make a move in the beginning of the second half, twice getting Lehigh's lead to single digits. Alyssa Dunn (Mason, Ohio/Seven Hills School) brought the Bison to within eight the first time on a three-point shot with the shot clock at one second. Prosser responded with a bucket of her own on the next possession.
Although the Bison came within eight one more time a few minutes later, the Mountain Hawks continued to answer and then some. Before long, the home team's lead had ballooned into the twenties.
Lehigh's Emily Gratch also picked up where she left on in the first half, making a comeback difficult for the Bison. After tallying eight in the first half, Gratch quickly surpassed that total with her consistent play inside.
Bucknell had more success on the offensive side of the court, but Lehigh quickened its scoring pace as well. In the end, Lehigh handed its outmatched opponent a 22-point loss.
By the end of competition, Lehigh had outscored Bucknell 27-8 off turnovers and 43-14 off the bench.
Krewson and Higham finished in double-digit scoring. Krewson's 13 points give her the eighth consecutive game in which she has put up double figures. Higham added 12. Horbatuck claimed the team lead with six rebounds, while Voss had a team-best five assists.
Gratch led all players with 22 points on 11-for-13 shooting. Prosser and Kristen Dalton also finished in double figures with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Bucknell is back in action on Saturday, Jan. 30 when it takes on Army in West Point, N.Y. Tipoff is slated for 1 p.m.
