Saragusa Saves Best For Last Home Game

MOBILE, Ala. – Despite a quintessential 17-point and 11 rebounds effort from sophomore Crystal Coston the Rams (16-13, 10-8) could not prevent a regular season sweep at the hands of the Spring Hill College Badgers (14-15, 9-9), losing 75-71.

It was a tough pill to swallow for the Rams’ senior class, particularly Keli Saragusa, as she saved her best game for her home finale lighting up the court with 18 points.

The Badgers endured five lead changes before taking a 30-26 into the half, due in part by a stifling defense that held the Rams to 29.6 percent shooting from the floor.

The Rams didn’t go away into that quiet night tying the score 43-43 with 15:10 remaining.

Eight more times the score was tied before the Badgers grabbed control for good with 3:16 remaining as Veronica Niter drained a 3-pointer to put Spring Hill up 66-63. From that point on it was a matter of staving off a vicious Rams attack to hold on for the first season series sweep since the 1997-98 season.

Megan Pendergast (19 points and 7 rebounds), Maria Rodriguez (13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists), Marcie McHugh (12 points and 5 assists) and Veronica Niter (11 points) all scored in double-figures to help pace the Badgers.

The Rams now must prepare for the GCAC Tournament, held March 3-6, at the Alario Center in New Orleans, La.