HAMILTON — Turnovers proved costly in the opening quarter as Colgate committed seven turnovers in the first 10 minutes of play. The Raiders found their rhythm over the next three quarters, mounting a comeback effort but ultimately falling, 44–41, to American.
For the second time this season, Ella Meabon recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, including 13 points and seven rebounds in the second half.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Despite trailing for most of the first half, Colgate chipped away at the deficit in the third quarter. Madison Schiller knocked down a key three-pointer early in the period to pull the Raiders within three points, 24–21. American answered with a pair of free throws before Meabon completed a three-point play to swing momentum back toward Colgate.
The Eagles added two baskets, but Meabon responded with a layup and a jumper to keep the game within one possession at 30–28. Seven of Meabon's 18 points came in the third quarter.
The Raiders erased an 11-point deficit to tie the game at 30 on Schiller's free throws. Meabon then helped Colgate take its first lead with two minutes remaining in the quarter, making the score 34–30.
American tied the game with back-to-back layups before Ella Mahaffey hit a corner three to put Colgate back in front, 37–34. Both teams traded the lead five times over the next two minutes, but an American driving layup in the final seconds secured the Eagles' 44–41 victory.
Colgate was outscored 14–6 in the opening 10 minutes but closed the gap by shooting 5-of-15 (33.3%) over the remainder of the half, trailing 23–18 at the break.
NOTES
- Colgate outperformed American in made three-pointers (5–3), assists (9–8), and committed fewer turnovers (12–14).
- Meabon recorded her second career double-double (18 points, 11 rebounds).
- Schiller scored in double figures for the fifth time this season.
- Meabon and Schiller combined to score 75% of the Raiders' points.
UP NEXT
Colgate (5–13, 1–6 Patriot League) begins a two-game road stretch at Boston University on Saturday with a 2 p.m. tipoff, followed by a matchup at Holy Cross on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m.
