BLOOMFIELD, NJ - The women's basketball team earned a dramatic comeback victory Saturday afternoon, topping the Georgian Court University Lions in the game's waning minutes to take a 66-60 decision in the Deacons' Den.
The contest was a defensive battle throughout, with both clubs struggling to find their rhythm from the floor. The Lady Deacons were out of sync on the offensive end in the early going, but managed to hold a comfortable 35-27 lead through the first 20 minutes of play. It seemed their three-game conference winning streak would live to see another day, and their home record would remain unblemished.
But the Lions stormed out of the gates in the second half, dominating the action and going on a 9-0 run to take the lead through the first five minutes of the half. The swing in momentum continued, as the Lions built a ten-point advantage with only seven minutes to go in the game, putting the Lady Deacons in serious jeopardy of dropping their second CACC contest of the season.
Bloomfield countered with a spirited run of their own, though, as sophomore guard
Vanessa Lamison wreaked havoc on the Lions at both ends of the floor. Her suffocating defense led to numerous Georgian Court turnovers, and her ten points sparked a run to get the Lady Deacons back in the game.
The tenacious guard caped the BC comeback in the game's waning minutes - holding the ball at the top of the key, #20 saw a lane towards the basket, and streaked into the lane. She layed the ball up amidst a slew of Georgian Court defenders, and got it go while being fouled on the play, sending the Bloomfield faithful into a frenzy. She completed the three-point play, putting the Lady Deacons up by a single point. A costly Georgian Court turnover followed, and Bloomfield was able to ice the game from the free-throw line, earning a significant and satisfying CACC victory.
Lamison came off the bench to score 10 huge points for the Lady Deacons, while
Milani Malik also subbed in to contribute 10 points through long-range accuracy and clutch free-throw shooting.
Tiffany McDaniel was a force inside for Bloomfield, dropping 12 points and pulling down seven rebounds.
The team returns to action on January 26 with a CACC road contest against Post University. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.