WASHINGTON D.C. – Millersville women's basketball was unable to pull through late, falling to University of The District of Columbia, 61-55.
'Ville falls to 1-3 on the short season and will now gear up for two Division I matchups next week. They'll travel to Maryland to take on Towson on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m., then to Maryland Eastern Shore following Thanksgiving on Sunday, Nov. 28. The Marauders will be back home on Friday, Dec. 3 for a matchup with Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West foe, Clarion.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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La'Shyra Williams had another productive first quarter, racking up four points and two rebounds to lead all scorers for Millersville through 10 minutes of play. She was able to do this in seven minutes while also making her first start of the season. The Marauders would trail after one despite Williams' play, 12-17.
• The second quarter was all defense from both teams, as there were only 16 total points scored, eight from each group. The Marauders forced 12 Firebird turnovers, two of them ending up in
Ty Taylor's hands. Taylor leads the team in steals this season with 10. Millersville also gave up eight turnovers of their own, which is what ultimately kept the game within five heading into the half.
•The script changed heading into the second half, as each team scored over 20 third-quarter points. Firebird, Hala Ellis, poured in 14 points in nine minutes during the quarter, going 4-4 from beyond the arch, and 2-2 from the charity strike. However, Millersville would pull the game within two, as
Bria Beverly scored eight to go along with
Lauren Lister's five to win their first quarter of the game.
• The fourth quarter showed how tough this Marauder team is, with them clawing back into the game every time it seemed UDC pulled away. 'Ville was down three with less than 30 seconds on the clock and
Sharay Hall went to none other than Lister for an answer. The redshirt senior answered alright, taking two Firebird defenders with her the the right side of the basket for an and-one to bring the game within one. Lister was then unable to convert the free throw, as it took an unlucky bounce. This gave the edge to UDC and sent Millersville home with their second road loss of the year.
POST GAME REACTION FROM HEAD COACH SHARAY HALL
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On the overall play: "Although we played them tight, and came down to the wire, the same fight we had coming out of half time we have to start games that way. Still growing and adjusting but have to play with toughness and more heart."
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On the play from Bria Beverly off the bench: "Bria was a huge spark for us today. She played huge role with her ability to score against smaller defenders. The future is bright for her."
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On going to Lister late: "She lives for those moments, and loves to put the team on her back. We will look to her a lot for end of game situations"
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• Lister was able to give Millersville a near 20-point performance with 18 on the night.
• Freshman, Beverly, scored 12 in 24 minutes off the bench for coach Hall.
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Brenna Ortwein had a near double-double in her fourth start of the season, scoring eight and grabbing seven boards.
• The Marauders forced 26 turnovers, two more than in their lone win over Shaw last weekend.
• UDC outrebounded Millersville 34-48.
• The Marauders shot over 60% from the line, going 13-21.
UP NEXT
• The Marauders will travel to Towson for a matchup with the Tigers on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m.
•The group will open Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East play in the new year, as Shepherd will visit for a game on Jan. 5, 2022.
