Bobcats Use Hot Shooting and Strong Defense to Run Away With Second Half

Photo%3A+Anthony+W.+Pacheco+III

Photo: Anthony W. Pacheco III

Brandon Murdock

On a Saturday afternoon in which the Quinnipiac Bobcats celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the 2012-2013 team that went to the NCAA tournament, they were able to secure a wire-to-wire 73-45 win over the Marist Red Foxes.

Both teams came out firing in the first quarter, making shot after shot, but it was the Bobcats that took a 11-10 lead into the first media time out. 

This was the closest the game would be for the remainder as the Bobcats went on a 7-1 scoring run over the last five minutes of the quarter to take a 18-11 lead into the second.

The second started right where the first left off as the Bobcats made life difficult for the Red Foxes on both sides.

The Bobcats’ strong shooting in the first half (48.5%) mixed with their ability to force tough Marist shots (25.7%) allowed them to take a 35-25 lead into the break.

“It’s obviously our best performance to date,” said head coach Tricia Fabbri. “Leading wire-to-wire, the most complete game, the most efficient game.” 

Quinnipiac’s Jackie Grisdale led all scorers with 10 points at the break and Marist’s Kiara Fisher led the Foxes with 8.

The third quarter is where the Bobcats took full control as they opened up on a 6-0 scoring run forcing a Marist timeout and pushing their lead to 16.

Grace LaBarge got in on the act as she was able to get the crowd and bench energized with two made three’s in the quarter as the Bobcats went into the fourth with a 55-35 lead.

The alumni that were being celebrated surely had plenty to be proud about and this year’s version of the Bobcats could feel that energy on the court. 

“It’s very impactful,” said graduate guard Mackenzie DeWees. “To continue the legacy of greatness that has gone through our program.” 

The fourth was more of the same as the Bobcats went on a 9-2 scoring run to extend their lead to 27 and ensure there would be no Marist magic in this one.

Lost in all the commotion was graduate Mary Baskerville recording her third straight double-double for the Bobcats.

“It’s awesome,” said senior forward Mikala Morris. “I had no doubt that Mary could play up to this. I knew right away when we played during the summer she was going to dominate this league, she’s so athletic and so good.”

This win makes six in a row for the Bobcats and they will look to continue this streak when they take on Canisius at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9 in Hamden.