BATTLE CREEK (MI) - Last night, the Marian University Ancilla Women's Basketball team concluded the regular season portion of their year with a 65-42 win at Kellogg Community College. While they have now beaten the Bruins by 23 points both times this year, it was an important victory because it forced a 3-way tie in the MCCAA Western Division for 2nd Place, slotting MUAC in at 3rd Place after tiebreakers were applied, but allowing them to host the first round of NJCAA Region 12 play next Tuesday evening.
With the Chargers leading by single digits and struggling to make shots early in the third quarter, Sophomores Aaliyah Keil and Ga'Naysia White really stepped up with their defensive assertiveness, collectively forcing 5 steals during a stretch that helped Marian Ancilla extend their lead back into double digits. With a couple of tough finishes inside early in the fourth quarter by Sophomores Audri Prater and Santana Eubanks, the Chargers increased their lead to as many as 30 points, before Kellogg made one late run to trim the advantage.
Keil was outstanding all night, scoring 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the field, plus she was 5-for-5 from the free throw line. In fact, she is 11-for-11 over her last two games from that distance, and she shot 78% (25-for-32) from the charity stripe in February. Keil also posted 6 steals, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists Tuesday. Eubanks put together her 14th double-double of the year, scoring 13 points and collecting 17 rebounds, plus she added 7 steals and 4 assists. Sophomore Annika Davis also reached double figures with 10 points, while Freshman Emma Nelson had a solid all-around game with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and she was 2-for-2 from deep.
As mentioned above, the Chargers now turn their attention to the postseason. Next Tuesday, March 3rd, they will host the Southwestern Michigan College Roadrunners at the LifePlex in Plymouth at 5:30p. The Chargers won in Dowagiac (MI) on January 10th against the Roadrunners, 50-44. But SMC returned the favor, beating Marian Ancilla on their home floor February 4th, 54-51. Pleas come out and support the ladies, if you are able, as they attempt to qualify for the final two rounds at Mott Community College February 6th & 8th!!
