UNITED STREAKS PAST IRISH
YOUNGSTOWN OH- Road wins in the game of basketball are always a key component to a successful basketball season. United accomplished just that as they traveled to Youngstown and came away with a big non conference win defeating Ursuline 40-35.
The Eagles fresh off a deceive win over Southern on Thursday were looking to keep that momentum going on Saturday. Out of the gate United did just that, matching the Irish physical play behind inside play Taylor Cope (9 points / 7 rebounds), as she put the Eagles ahead 8-5. Ursuline would answer as Lily Scott hit a clutch shot from downtown evening the score at 8-8. Each team would trade baskets evening the score at 10 after 1 quarter of play. Defense dictated the 2nd quarter as both squads failed to gain anything consistent on the offensive end. Ursuline would do just enough to gain a 16-15 halftime advantage.
Ursuline came out of the locker room looking to separate themselves from United. Alayna Smith would lead that charge consistently hitting the offensive glass for opportunities helping extend the Irish lead to 26-19 midway through the 3rd quarter. Smith would finish the day with 11 points and 9 rebounds. United would claw their way back into the game as Grace Knight would provide the spark her team needed scoring back to back buckets as the Irish lead was 27-25 heading to the 4th quarter. Knight stepped up for United on the day scoring a game high 17, 13 of which came in the 2nd half. “She did not have her best game the other night against Southern, however great players show up in big moments.
“She is the ultimate teammate doing whatever it takes to win as she proved today with her efforts all over the floor. I was very proud of her performance” United Coach Cory Leek. The 4th quarter saw the momentum turn to the visitors from Hanoverton. Tied at 29-29 a Grace Knight runner in the lane would put the Eagles on top 31-29. Ursuline’s Lily Scott would answer with a huge 3 pointer putting the Irish back on top 32-31. Scott would finish the day with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. The next possession saw emotions get in the way as a held ball led to a technical foul being assessed to Ursuline. Senior Madison Kibler, held scoreless to that point, stepped to line calm and collected, nailing both attempts putting the Eagles back on top 33-32.
The free throw line decided the outcome as United was able to finish off the Irish in the final minute hitting their final 6 free throw attempts sealing the important road win. United guard Addyson Blazer turned in a solid performance on the day for the victors as well adding 7 points, 8 rebounds & 4 assists. Leek on his team’s impressive road win “This is a great win for us, to be able to come here and defeat a D2 school on the road really sets the tone moving into next week.
“Our schedule will continue to get tougher as we move deeper into December. A win like this provides us with a ton of confidence moving forward.” Ursuline (2-3) will continue to be tested as they travel to Warren Harding on Wednesday. United (4-1, 3-0), winners of 4 straight, continues the road trip as they travel to EOAC foe Wellsville on Monday.
*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler
