South Portland, ME - CM has not found themselves trailing by double-digits in the first half many times over the last few years, so Wednesday night was a bit of an anomaly. However, you would not have known it, as the Lady Mustangs stayed cool, calm, and collected, biding their time to make their own run.
Down by 17 with 4:30 to go in the first half, the Mustangs cut into the deficit, only trailing by 4 at the break. Another SMCC run would push the lead to 11 in the third quarter, but after that it was all Mustangs. Although CM experienced shooting struggles, they cleaned up their possessions with only 4 second half turnovers, and only 10 for the entire game, while forcing 21 turnovers from the Seawolves. A 20-8 fourth quarter proved to be the difference, as the Mustangs finally caught up, got some breathing room, and pulled out the 62-55 win.
Alex Bessey (Jay, ME) once again proved why she is one of the top players in the conference, finishing with a game-high 19 points, including 11 in the final quarter, to along with 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 key blocks. Brooke Reynolds (Poland, ME) played another Brooke Reynolds-like game to the tune of 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals. Kristen Huntress (Harrison, ME) connected on two 3's and went 4 for 4 from the FT line to finish with 10 points, while playing stifling defense.
Playing without freshman Kasie Maloney (Concord, NH), and then losing fellow freshman, Ahna McCusker (Barrington, NH) early in the second half, the Lady Mustangs needed small contributions across the board, and they got exactly what they needed. Eraleena Gethers-Hairston (Auburn, ME) pulled down two monstrous defensive rebounds in the final 3 minutes of the fourth quarter, while Elena Tool (Tilburg, Netherlands) provided an offensive spark off the bench, with an electric reverse layup in the third.
Jordyn Reynolds (Poland, ME) played a great defensive game, finishing with 7 points, 9 rebounds, 4 massive blocks, 2 assists and 2 steals. Rebecca Davila (El Paso, TX) chipped in with 5 points, but really sparked the Mustangs in the third quarter attacking the basket in transition.
Amanda Brett led the Seawolves with 15 points on 6 of 17 shooting.
With the win CM improves to 20-2 overall and 13-0 in the Yankee Conference. They will be back in action Thursday, Friday, AND Sunday this week, with three consecutive home games to conclude the regular season. A win Thursday night over Unity, will clinch the third straight YSCC Regular Season Championship for the Lady Mustangs.