Time Runs Out as Womens Basketball Team Defeated by One Point in Final Seconds
The College of Southern Maryland Lady Hawks basketball team could feel the love, but couldnt quite feel victory as they ended their breakout season Feb. 14 in a disappointing loss to Harford Community College 58-57 in the second round of the Maryland Junior College (MDJUCO) Tournament.
“It was the best game the team played all year in terms of excitement. We thought we were going to be the Cinderella team that would make a run for the championship, said CSM Director of Student Services and Athletics Michelle Ruble. The team and coaching staff did an excellent job and we could not be more proud of the way they handled themselves tonight.”
The No. 8 seeded Lady Hawks had the lead four times in the game against the No. 1 seeded Harford Owls, and went into the half with a lead of 27-25.
Alex Manning, of Owings, totaled 10 points leading CSM in the first half. Taylor White, of Waldorf, finished with six points as well as four rebounds and three blocks. As the team went into the locker room, CSM fans who made the trip to Harford cheered them on.
Harford had a number of fouls called on them that turned the ball over allowing CSM to capitalize by getting points in the paint, said CSM Athletic Coordinator Nick Williams. As the second half started, Tiffany Taylor of Harford began to turn the heat up on CSM. She finished the second half with six 3-pointers. Harford continued to have foul trouble in the second half and quickly they had four players with four fouls.
With two minutes left in the game, the score was tied 55-55. Manning had a steal and put in a lay-up giving CSM the lead 57-55 at the 1:18 minute mark. Harford battled back and with 0:48 seconds remaining Taylor hit a 3-pointer putting Harford up by one.
For information on CSM Athletics, visit www.csmd.edu/Athletics.