Southern Connecticut’s women’s basketball team faced a tough loss against American International College (AIC), falling 69-68 in a close match. This defeat marked the Owls’ first of the season, dropping their record to 2-1, while AIC improved to 3-0.
One standout player for the Owls was Jada Williams, a transfer from Temple University. She delivered her best performance yet, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Alongside her, Hope Fox recorded a game-high 13 rebounds, contributing nine points and three assists. Other notable performances included Jillian Martin, who scored 12 points with six assists, and Rheyna Steinauer, who added another 16 points along with seven rebounds.
The game started with the Owls quickly gaining momentum, as Fox and Williams combined for an early 7-2 lead. However, AIC responded with a 14-7 run to take a 16-14 lead. The first quarter ended tightly, with AIC leading 28-25, showing impressive shooting statistics—62.5% from the field and 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
The second quarter saw continuous back-and-forth scoring, with the lead changing hands nine times. Both teams struggled with their shooting in the closing minutes, except for Martin, who found her rhythm and scored on three of her last four attempts.
Southern made a comeback in the third quarter, outscoring AIC 17-13, to take a 57-55 lead heading into the final quarter. Rheyna Steinauer was pivotal during this stretch, contributing seven of those points.
In a thrilling fourth quarter, the Owls opened with their largest lead of the night at 61-55, but AIC rallied back with a 9-1 run to tie the game at 64. With just over a minute left, Fox sunk two free throws to give the Owls a brief lead, but AIC managed to secure the win with a last-second three-pointer.
Looking ahead, the Owls will play Molloy in Rockville Centre, NY, on Sunday, Nov. 23, before returning home to host Saint Michael’s on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The latter game aims to engage the community, offering free admission to kids.
Recent trends show that close matches like this can significantly influence team dynamics and fan engagement. According to a recent survey from the NCAA, thrilling finishes tend to draw larger crowds and boost overall interest in women’s sports, highlighting the importance of such high-stakes games.
In a world where women’s sports are gaining more attention, this close game is a testament to the hard work and talent displayed by these young athletes.
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