Big Second Half Propels Women's Basketball to 65-50 Victory Over American

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Ashley Sofilkanich scored a career-high 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to post her 10th career double-double to lead the Bucknell women's basketball team to a 65-50 victory over American. Sofilkanich scored 21 points and totaled six rebounds in the second half as the Bison turned a 29-29 halftime tie into the 15-point final margin of victory.

"I am excited about the victory," said head coach Trevor Woodruff. "The game went as I thought in terms of being competitive. American presents a challenge on the glass everybody. We generated good looks and defended their actions."

Bucknell (8-7, 3-1 PL) won its third straight game and has won by an average margin of 16 points in those three victories.

Cecilia Kay led American (0-15, 0-4 PL) in the first half, scoring six points and registering 13 rebounds in the first 20 minutes. The Bison limited her to just two rebounds in the second half as they went from -14 (25-11) in rebounds in the first stanza to +2 (17-15) in the second half.

Sofilkanich was efficient in the contest, making 10-of-16 field goals and 9-of-10 from the free throw line. Reese Zemitis (11 points) and Sophia Sabino (10) joined her in double figures as Bucknell outscored American 36-21 in the second half. Sabino has scored double-digits in three straight games.

"They doubled Ashley early and were somewhat effective," said Woodruff. "Later in the game when they didn't double, she displayed excellent patience. She didn't rush and got to her spots. She continued to do a good job at the free throw line."

Sofilkanich has now scored 20+ points in nine games and has tallied double-digits in 14 of the Bison's 15 contests.

"It feels great to set a career-high in points," said Sofilkanich. "There is still work to do and hopefully this win rolls over into the remainder of our games this season. We need to keep playing hard and together."

The Bison defense was especially stingy in the fourth quarter, limiting the Eagles to seven points on 2-for-13 shooting.

Bucknell was out-rebounded 40-28 but made up for the deficit by forcing 15 turnovers and shooting 41.8% (23-of-55) from the field. The Orange & Blue only committed six turnovers as it handled any American defensive look.

The Bison bolted to a 17-12 first quarter lead by shooting 60% (3-of-5) from three. Three Bison, Tuana Coskun, Sabino, and Zemitis each drained a trey.

Bucknell advanced its lead to 22-14 before the Eagles rallied to fly ahead 27-25. Sofilkanich answered the challenge with a layup. American regained the lead on a jump shot but again Sofilkanich replied tying the game entering halftime.

The Eagles seized the lead on three occasions in the third period and each time the Bison responded with a timely basket. Sofilkanich's turnaround jump shot made it 40-39 Bucknell and the Bison never trailed again. The sophomore star scored six of the Bison's remaining eight points in the quarter as Bucknell led 48-43 heading into the final stanza.

Bucknell's defense, its calling card, arrived in full force holding the Eagles to 2-of-13 shooting while the offense generated 17 points. Sofilkanich scored ten of those points as the Bison put the game to bed.

Up Next

The Bison hit the road again to play Holy Cross on Jan. 15.

Big Second Half Propels Women's Basketball to 65-50 Victory Over American

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Team Stats

Ashley Sofilkanich

Reese Zemitis

Sophia Sabino

Tuana Coskun

Players Mentioned

Tuana Coskun

Sophia Sabino

Ashley Sofilkanich

Reese Zemitis