Lady Bears Comeback Bid against Patchogue Falls Short

PATCHOGUE, NY – The Lady Bears cut a 13 point halftime deficit to two in the final minute of the game, but couldn't get the equalizer as St. Joseph's–Long Island defeated St. Joseph's–Brooklyn 69-63 at the Danzi Athletic Center. The Lady Bears have now dropped two straight games to fall to 4-5 on the season.

The Golden Eagles shot a blistering 48.6% from the field in the first half and opened up an early double digit lead. Coupled with the Lady Bears' shooting troubles, the Golden Eagles pushed the lead to as much as 18, but the Lady Bears closed the half on a 5-0 run to gain some momentum and trail by 13 heading into the break.

The Golden Eagles held a large lead throughout much of the second half, trading baskets with the Lady Bears in the early going. The Lady Bears made their late push, getting to within one possession after a Teresa Mangan (Cleveland, OH/St. Joseph's) jumper made it a three point game with 5:02 to play. Mangan scored all eight of her points in the second half to help lead the comeback.

The Lady Bears had a chance to tie the game with 44 seconds remaining, but a turnover and a Nicole Redding jumper put the lead back to four for the Golden Eagles. Caitlyn Kakavas (Bayside, NY/St. Agnes) quickly hit a jumper with 19 seconds to go to bring the Lady Bears back to within two. The desperate Lady Bears had no choice but to foul and the Golden Eagles hit all four of their free throw attemps to ice the game.

Ashley McQuillan (Brooklyn, NY/St. Francis Prep) led the Lady Bears with 19 points, including 13 in the second half. Kakavas had a game leading 12 rebounds and chipped in ten points for her first career double-double. The 12 rebounds are also a career high for the junior. Freshman Megan Moran (Syosset, NY/St. Dominic's) was the only other Lady Bear to finish in double-figures. She picked up 11 points in the loss.

Amanda Bender led Patchogue with 19 points and Redding had a double-double with 14 points and 12 boards.

The Lady Bears remain idle this week as they gear up for their final home game of the calendar year. They take on Old Westbury at Brooklyn Technical High School on December 23rd. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.