WASHINGTON, DC--The Bison game plan was to contain CAC leading
scorer Shadae Swan (20.5 ppg) and minimize their turnovers.
However, the Goucher Gophers had different things in mind as they
prevailed, 68-53. The Bison offense could not ignite due to a
steady Gopher full-court press. Gopher Swan put up a game-high 22
points to lead the Goucher offense.
The first half saw a lot of action between the blocks as the
Bison worked to contain the Gophers. Despite the Buff and Blue
efforts, Goucher found ways around defenders and continued to build
a steady lead off a transition offense and relentless defensive
pressure that took a brief pause at the half, 37-22. Bison forward
Brittainy Payne led the Bison scoring in the half with nine points,
and junior Shabnam Razmpour put in eight.
The Gopher press continued into the second half, forcing Bison
turnovers, and giving Goucher more scoring opportunities. However,
the Bison held their own, matching Goucher's 31 points in this
half. A pair of Foronda free throws sparked a 11-2 Bison run that
cut the 18-point Gopher lead to8 points before foul trouble plagued
the home team, giving Goucher seven points in the final
2:30 from the free throw line. Senior Tamijo Foronda topped the
Bison scoring overall with 19 points, paced by Razmpour's 14.
Payne added 12 to round out the double digit scoring.
Senior forward Jessica Salisbury and freshman Amelia Palmer both
led the rebounding efforts with seven apiece.
Next up for the Bison (3-17, 0-10 CAC) is the University of Mary
Washington (18-2, 8-1 CAC) in continuing conference play. Tip
time at the Field House on Thursday, February 8th is set
for 6 p.m.
