By Bob Franceski, NEPASportsNation.com
Saturday’s National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball schedule included six games involving teams with District 2 graduates either on the roster or serving as head coach.
Here is a recap of how each did:
RACHAEL ROSE, WOFFORD COLLEGE WOMEN
5-foot-7 sophomore guard from Scranton Prep
Saturday’s result
Wofford (17-7 overall, 7-3 SoCon) defeated visiting Western Carolina University (9-17 overall, 2-9 SoCon), 83-62
Individual statistics
Started, played 33 minutes; 9/12 FG, 1/3 on 3-pointers, 19 points; 2 offensive, 2 defensive, 4 total rebounds; 5 assists; 1 turnover; 2 steals.
Notes
Rose’s 19 points are her 11th-straight game in double figures. The streak is now tied for fifth-longest in program history. Her five steals and two assists also led Wofford. … The 17th win of the season matches the Terriers’ win total from last season, tying for the program’s Division I record. … Wofford’s defense forced 14 Catamount turnovers in the win. “That’s huge for us. That’s been our game all year long to force people into turnovers while taking care of the ball.” Rose said in a recap posted on Wofford’s athletic website. “We’re a defensive team, and we have to keep going with that.”
Up next
Wofford travels to East Tennessee State Thursday.
CECELIA COLLINS, BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY WOMEN
6-foot sophomore guard from Scranton Prep
Saturday’s result
Bucknell (11-13 overall, 7-6 Patriot League) won at Colgate (12-12 overall, 6-7 Patriot League), 50-44.
Individual statistics
Started, played 34 minutes; 5/10 FG, 7/9 FT, 17 points; 2 defensive rebounds; 1 assist; 4 turnovers; 1 steal.
Notes
Collins’ 17 points led Bucknell as she extended her streak of double-digit scoring games to 13 and Emma Shaffer notched her sixth career double-double in the win over Colgate. … Bucknell led, 11-8, after the first quarter. Colgate opened the second quarter by scoring the first four points. Bucknell answered with a 7-2 run, led by five points from Collins. … Bucknell outscored Colgate, 15-8, in the fourth quarter to gain the comeback win. … The Bison defense held the Raiders to eight points each in the first and fourth quarters.
Up next
Bucknell travels to American Wednesday.
BECKY BURKE, UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO WOMEN
Head coach from Abington Heights
Saturday’s result
Buffalo (9-12 overall, 4-8 MAC) lost at Central Michigan (5-18 overall, 3-9 MAC), 72-71
Notes
The University at Buffalo had a great look on its final possession, but Zakiyah Winfield’s shot was off the mark as the Bulls came up short against Central Michigan. … Three Bulls scored in double figures, led by Re’Shawna Stone’s game-high 23 points. Zakiyah Winfield scored 19 points and Jazmine Young added 11. … Buffalo held a slight edge in the paint, scoring 36 points inside but Central Michigan turned 9 University at Buffalo turnovers into 17 points.
Up next
Buffalo hosts Kent State Wednesday at 6 p.m.
LEO O’BOYLE, LAFAYETTE COLLEGE MEN
6-foot-7 senior forward from Scranton Prep
Saturday’s result
Lafayette (9-18 overall, 7-7 Patriot League) defeated visiting Boston University (12-15 overall, 5-9 Patriot League), 69-65 in overtime.
Individual statistics
Started, played 36 minutes; 5/9 FG, 4/7 on 3-pointers, 3/5 FT, 17 points; 1 offensive, 3 defensive, 4 total rebounds; 2 assists; 3 turnovers; 2 steals.
Notes
Led by three players in double figures, Lafayette earned a hard-fought overtime victory over Boston University. … This is the second time these teams played an overtime game this season. The Terriers defeated Lafayette on Jan. 5th. … O’Boyle scored 9 of his 17 points in the first half as the Leopards headed to halftime with a 33-27 lead. … Prior to tipoff, O’Boyle was joined at half-court by his parents and head coach Mike Jordan as he was honored on Senior Day.
Up next
Lafayette travels to Loyola, MD Wednesday.
DA’MIR FAISON, NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY MEN
6-foot-7 junior forward from Hazleton Area
Saturday’s result
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) (7-17 overall, 4-7 America East) defeated visiting Maine (10-15 overall, 4-8 America East), 65-50
Individual statistics
Came off the bench, played 20 minutes; 0/2 FG, 0 points; 1 offensive, 5 defensive, 6 total rebounds; 1 steal.
Notes
NJIT led 29-21 at halftime and broke the game open with a 15-0 run early in the second half. … The 50 points allowed marks the best defensive performance for the Highlanders this season.
Up next
NJIT travels to Binghamton University Wednesday.
ETHAN MEUSER, STONEHILL COLLEGE MEN
6-foot-8 freshman guard from Wyoming Seminary
Saturday’s result
Stonehill (13-15 overall, 9-4 NEC) defeated visiting St. Francis Brooklyn (13-13 overall, 6-7 NEC), 62-51
Individual statistics
Did not play.
Notes
Stonehill College shot 52.4 percent from the field in the second half and took advantage of 17 Saint Francis College of Brooklyn turnovers in Saturday’s victory. Stonehill’s Andrew Sims and Isaiah Burnett combined to score 44 points to lead the Skyhawks to their third straight home win and reclaim a position atop the Northeast Conference standings, along with Merrimack College, with three games remaining.
Up next
Stonehill hosts Long Island University Thursday.
