Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
7-3,0-0Patriot
Saint Francis (Pa.)
2-9,0-0NEC
Hot-Shooting Bison Claim Fifth in a Row with 70-46 Victory over Saint Francis
12/21/2019 3:34:00 PM | Women's Basketball
LORETTO, Pa. - Bucknell shot 50 percent and took advantage of a 19-point effort from Ellie Mack and a career-high 14 points from Taylor O'Brien to claim a 70-46 victory over Saint Francis at DeGol Arena Saturday afternoon. It was the fifth straight victory for Bucknell (7-3), who's now held three of its last four opponents under 50 points. Bucknell shot 50 percent for a second time this season and forced 17 Saint Francis (2-9) turnovers.Â
Bucknell trailed after the first quarter, but went on to outscore the Red Flash 56-31 in the final three. Holding onto a 40-32 advantage in the third, the Bison went on a 20-2 scoring run to close out the quarter and would lead by no less than 22 points throughout the remainder of the game.
The Bison held the Red Flash to 17-of-46 (37%) from the the floor and allowed just five makes from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Bison sank nine threes and outrebounded Saint Francis 31-28.
Abby Kapp also reached double-figures in the win, sinking three from deep to add 11 points. Tessa Brugler tacked on eight points and eight rebounds. Karson Swogger led Saint Francis with 14 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
Bucknell's hot shooting percentage began early, as the team went 6-for-12 from the floor in the first. However, early turnovers allowed the Red Flash to hit six field goals of its own and secure a 15-14 lead after the initial 10 minutes.
In the second, the Bison defense clamped down and gave up just three made field goals. Offensively, Bucknell outscored Saint Francis 22-10 and sank three from the arc to take a 36-25 lead into the locker rooms.
The third quarter was one of the best of the season for Bucknell, as the team shot 60 percent, hit 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, and outscored Saint Francis 24-9. The Bison's 20-point run featured eight points from Kapp and a pair of threes from Mack. The Bison entered the final quarter leading 60-34.
Bucknell added 10 points in the fourth, with four coming from freshman Tai Johnson. Gia Hayes, Emma Shaffer, and Carly Krsul also saw fourth quarter minutes. The Red Flash scored 12 with two threes, but the deficit was too large to overcome.
Mack shot 7-for-10 overall and 3-for-6 from the arc to collect her eighth double-digit scoring performance of the season. The senior provided a team-high five assists and a pair of blocks as well. O'Brien, who was making her first collegiate start, has reached double-digits three times on the year. Marly Walls contributed six points, three assists, and two steals, while Autumn Ceppi tacked on six points and a steal.
Bucknell has now won each of its last five contests, holding those opponents to an average of 50.8 points.
The Bison will play one more non-conference game on the road against Stony Brook on Dec. 29.
