By Dylan Calloway
Correspondent
In the final moments of the game that had fans out of their seats, the Lions lost to their conference opponents, the Kean University Cougars, 56-58, on Saturday, Dec 3. The loss came three days after a win against Stockton University.
The game was an absolute defensive standstill, where there was no guaranteed winner until an attempted three by senior guard Kim Dana was missed at the final buzzer.
“I had an opportunity to win the game, but was unable to follow through.” said Dana, “Although it hurts losing the game by a basket, I know the team will be able to bounce back”
Both teams halted each other’s offenses with multiple turnovers. The only difference between the Cougars and Lions turned out to be one player.
The Cougars were led by sophomore guard Marajiah Bacon, who had a dynamic performance. Bacon is currently the top scorer in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. She scored a majority of the team’s points with 37 and even hitting a buzzer beating three at the end of the first quarter.
“We knew she was going to get her points” said sophomore guard Kate O’Leary, “It was just about how well we were going to stop the other players.”
The first quarter of play was a struggle for the Lions, who seemed as though they could barely hang on to the ball. When they got the opportunity to take their shots, it was as if a lid was placed over the basket. At the sixth minute, Dana was able to steal the ball and sprint toward the hoop on a fast break. She then drained in a free throw to keep the Lions only one point behind, 6-5.
Meanwhile, the Cougar’s shooters, Bacon in particular, had the green light to take shots from outside. At the end of the quarter the Lions had fallen into a 6-19 deficit.
The Cougars had all the game’s momentum going into the second quarter. However, a couple hustle plays by the Lions and several key free throws swung the tide of the game into an unpredictable spot. The Lions had fought back to behind by only two points.
From then on, it was a race to the finish. A finish that was only reached at the final buzzer, where Bacon’s performance proved to be just enough for a Cougar win.
“Our biggest takeaway from yesterday’s game was that we have to be ready to play every game and come out strong,” said O’Leary.
The Lions will look to defeat Rowan University Wednesday night, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. in Packer Hall. Then they will go on the road to play against the New Jersey City on Saturday, Dec. 10.
