The Rams (5-11, 2-6 MEC) fell at home Tuesday evening to the Golden Eagles of the University of Charleston (5-9, 3-4 MEC) by a score of 69-53.
Getting off to a slow start did not help the Rams. They were outscored 24-8 in the first quarter by the Golden Eagles, falling behind early. While they came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 23 points, it was too little too late, as the Golden Eagles imposed their defensive will for large majorities of the game.
The defense of the Golden Eagles really got into the heads of the Rams’ shooters, forcing them into difficult shots. For the game, the Rams shot just 17-of-42 (40.5 percent) from the field, unable to muster much of anything offensively. Making just four three-point field goals and scoring just 10 points in the paint showed the depth and ability of the Golden Eagles’ defense. Scoring just two second chance points did not help matters either for the Rams, as they could not get extra shot opportunities. They would not let the Rams get into a groove all game long.
In what was a slower-paced game, the Golden Eagles made over half their shots (23-of-40) and displayed a nice spark from three-point territory, making seven three-pointers during the game.
The Rams trying to attack the Golden Eagles’ defense.
Leading the charge for the Golden Eagles was Octavia Loll. She made 9-of-10 of her field goals, including going a perfect 5-of-5 from three-point distance. Fellow Golden Eagle Anna Hayton hurt the Rams in numerous fashions, finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds.
In the loss, sophomore guard Kari Lankford poured in an outstanding performance. She totaled 12 points and led the Rams with five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Senior forward Liz Myers also posted 12 points to lead the team in scoring in a night that they struggled from the floor.
Another critical factor in the game’s outcome was the production of the reserves on both sides. The Rams proved unable to keep up with the Golden Eagles, as the reserves of the Golden Eagles outscored their reserves 30-15. In a game where the defenses played fairly well on both sides, the Golden Eagles were able to provided a much-needed spark to help get their offense going.
On Saturday, the Rams travel to Urbana for a 2 p.m. contest, looking to add a win to the win column.
Anthony Bracken is the Sports Editor of The Picket. He can be reached at abrack02@rams.shepherd.edu
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