In the women’s MAAC Championship, the No. 1 Quinnipiac Bobcats will take on the No. 3 Marist Red Foxes. These two teams met in the regular season twice, with Quinnipiac sweeping the season series. The first meeting in Poughkeepsie, Quinnipiac took away the victory 76-69, and the second time these teams met, Quinnipiac won at home 78-66.
Players to Watch
Quinnipiac: Britany Martin
In the 2019 MAAC Tournament, Martin is averaging 14.5 points per game, which leads the Bobcats. In the semifinal game against Monmouth, Martin led the Bobcats with 17 points, along with the 12 she had against Fairfield in the quarterfinals. Marist will have to limit her scoring opportunities and force the Bobcats to have one less offensive option.
Marist: Rebekah Hand
The junior guard leads the Marist in points (16.0), rebounds (6.1), and three-pointers (69) and is second on the team with 174 field goals and third on the team with 82 assists. If Quinnipiac can contain her on the offensive side of the basketball, they will have the right game plan to claim their third straight MAAC Championship.
Keys to the Game
Quinnipiac: Be themselves
Quinnipiac has been here many times before. Since joining the MAAC in 2013, the Bobcats have been to the MAAC Championship six straight times and have won it three times. The only team that can beat Quinnipiac is themselves. There are so many different scoring options for the Bobcats and they are one of the top defensive teams in the nation. If they follow the same game-plan as their past 51 consecutive conference wins, they will clinch their third straight NCAA tournament berth.
Marist: Offense
Marist has the MAAC’s top scoring offense averaging 68.6 points per game. With Quinnipiac a strong defensive team, Marist will have to use their strong suit and break through Quinnipiac’s defense. Marist also leads the MAAC in three-point percentage (36.4%), and field goal percentage (43.4%).
It sounds cliché, but if Marist can prove they are a better offensive team and score more buckets than Quinnipiac, Marist will hand the Bobcats their first conference loss in 51 games and will head to the NCAA tournament.
The Game
Max Schreiber and Will Fowler will have the call for you live at mixlr.com/qbsn. Be sure to tune in and follow @QBSN on Twitter for all live and postgame updates!
