The Quinnipiac women’s basketball team (20-6, 15-0 MAAC) looks to continue to roll against Marist (19-8, 11-4 MAAC) on Saturday afternoon. Quinnipiac just clinched its 5th straight MAAC title with a win over Rider on Thursday, while Marist is coming off a win against Fairfield on Tuesday.
Players to Watch
Quinnipiac: Edel Thornton
The senior from Gurranabraher, Ireland hasn’t performed up to expectations, but is second on the team in three-pointers made. Taking a majority of her shots from deep has hurt her percentage and needs to start taking some shots from inside the arc. Thornton is most effective with her playmaking ability, leading the team with 70 assists, but definitely has potential to do some damage shooting the ball.
Marist: Willow Duffell
A sophomore from Harriman, New York, Duffell has been the hot hand, shooting at a remarkable, 52 percent from the field. But, she has a weakness – she is ineffective from deep and has only taken one shot from beyond the arc all season. If Quinnipiac can isolate her away from the ball, Quinnipiac will essentially take a player off the floor, and tilt the game into the Bobcat’s favor.
Keys to the Game
Quinnipiac: Play your game
Quinnipiac owns this conference. They already clinched the MAAC title and can take some time to rest their key players for the post-season. Marist may be doing the same, as they have also clinched a spot in the MAAC tournament.
Marist: Defense
Quinnipiac has the best offense in the conference and Marist likely won’t be able to beat the Bobcats if they try to match every Quinnipiac possession. Marist needs to play hard on defense, keep the ball away from Brittney Martin and Taylor Herd, and force shots for Thornton, who doesn’t shoot the ball as efficiently as her teammates. Nonetheless, this is still a MAAC game, and expect nothing but hard play from both teams.
How to Listen
Tune into QBSN’s broadcast of the game starting at 2:00. Eric Kerr and Jack Main will have the call for you from The Peoples United Center. Tune into mixlr.com/QBSN.
