Women's basketball: Army can't overcome huge early deficit, fall to New Jersey Tech
WEST POINT – This was hardly the start that Army wanted to have for its season opener.
Three-point shots wouldn’t fall. Fouls mounted, giving away free points at the charity stripe. Turnovers piled up. And when it was all over, Army had dug itself a 25-7 hole after just one quarter against a more-seasoned New Jersey Institute of Technology team, ripe with five returning starters. It didn’t get much better in the second period and the Highlanders moved out to a 38-15 lead by halftime.
From that point on it became a chase for Army. Shots began to fall – though not beyond the arc – and aggressive defense netted turnovers. Army managed to pull within six early in the fourth quarter but then the shooting finally went cold and NJIT pulled away to a 73-57 win before 400 at Christl Arena.
“I think we just strayed away from our style of play,’’ said sophomore all-star Reese Ericson, who was held to seven points. “As soon as we started playing, doing what we knew we could, it all started flowing. We’ve got to find it earlier, but at least we picked it up and found our play.’’
Army coach Missy Traversi preaches to her players about controlling the tempo in a game’s opening minutes. But it was the Highlanders who were Euro-stepping through Army’s post players, hitting five buckets within seven feet, plus drawing six fouls and hitting eight free throws.
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“They had some veterans - it's not an excuse, but they played with much more experience,’’ Traversi said. “You could see it in critical moments. I thought we lacked attention to detail, especially on the defensive side of the ball. I didn't think we were very disciplined tonight.’’
Army clawed its way back through the efforts of two players in particular: freshman Kya Smith scored 16 of her 18 points after halftime and Trinity Hardy’s seven steals fueled her 17-point effort. Freshman Fiona Hastick started and got seven points.
“The positive is we didn't quit, we kept fighting,’’ Traversi said. “I think that says a lot about our women, says a lot about who we are.’’
Three-point shooting – which is expected to be an asset – was a detriment with Army hitting only two of 18 tries.
“We’ve just got to be able to string possessions together,’’ Hardy said, “but I'm still excited for the season.’’
Tech shot 17-for-19 from the foul line, hit four 3-pointers and shot 49 percent from the field. Alejandra Zuniga scored 23 points, Kenna Squier 16 and reserves Aria Myers and Reese Vaughan each netted nine.
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Army will be Marist’s season opener on Thursday in Poughkeepsie and Fairleigh Dickinson visits West Point on Sunday afternoon.
X / Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Army women's basketball falls to New Jersey Tech
