Missed Opportunities: Women's Basketball Falls to Old Westbury
Pickell drops in 23; but Lady Jays can't tame Panthers
Old Westbury, NY - The NYU-Poly women's basketball team squared off against Old Westbury in a classic, midseason battle of two Skyline Conference teams trying to climb out of the middle of the pack. In the end, it was the Panthers edging out the Lady Jays 72-66, as Old Westbury (9-7, 4-5 Skyline) and NYU-Poly (7-7, 4-5 Skyline) now find themselves in a three way tie for 5th place with Sage Colleges (6-8, 4-5 Skyline).
Sophomore Margaux Pickell (Howell, NJ) led the Lady Jays with her 6th double-double (23 points, 13 boards) of the season. Freshmen Shelby Bruns (Elko, NV) added 10 points for NYU-Poly. The Lady Jays were out-rebounded 35-32, but had just 21 turnovers, to the Panthers 26. The tale of the tape was the three-point arc, as Old Westbury was 5-for-13, while NYU-Poly was only 1-for-7.
The Fighting Blue Jays had three chances in the final minute of play to tie the game, as they faced a three point deficit, on three different possessions. But, the Panthers connected on 4-of-4 free throws to hold on the margin and NYU-Poly was unable to connect as time expired.
NYU-Poly will travel to Purchase College on Saturday for a Skyline contest against the Panthers. The Lady Jays defeated Purchase last Saturday at home 69-57 as Pickell and sophomore Kristen Leiheuser (Millbrook, NY) both recorded double-doubles. Tipoff is set for 12:00 noon.