Moon Township, Pa. – The Colonials on Thursday night fell to the Norse, 62-47. The Colonials are now 8-12 (.400) overall, and 2-9 (.182) in the Horizon League.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
The Colonials brought their best play in the first quarter scoring 14 points. Scoring nine of the team's first 10 points was sophomore
Simone Morris. "I wanted to come back from the past few games where I felt off," said Morris. "I want to be a good source for the team and play hard. My mindset is to always come out and do as much as I can for the team." The forward from California carried the team to a 10-6 lead in the opening six minutes. By the end of the first quarter, RMU was within three, being down 17-14.
The second quarter was an offensive struggle for the Colonials as they only shot 27.3% from the field. The Norse went 9-for-17 (52.9%) from the field and scored 21 points. Throughout that period, RMU didn't foul at all. Northern Kentucky fouled four times which got
Phoenix Gedeon and
Mackenzie Amalia to the foul line. Gedeon went 3-for-3 and Amalia was 1-for-2 from the charity stripe. At the end of the half, the Norse stayed ahead 38-25.
In the third quarter, the Colonials outplayed the Norse, outscoring them 12-9. Freshman
Natalie Johnson stepped up to the plate and scored seven points. She was perfect during the third period making a three pointer, two baskets and two free throws. Junior guard
Mackenzie Amalia also made a triple from distance. After three quarters, RMU clawed their way back within 10, making the score 47-37.
Northern Kentucky got to the free throw line more in the final frame as they made 7-of-10 on their foul shots. Desperate to make a comeback, the Colonials kept fighting. "I felt that we showed a lot of heart in continuing to play down the stretch and work hard," said head coach
Charlie Buscaglia. "We got after them on the floor getting loose balls. I'm very proud of the team for not quitting. That's something that's non negotiable for us." The team caused five turnovers and earned four steals. Sophomore
Alejandra Mastral posted two steals and Morris and Johnson both added another. At the final horn, the Norse won 62-47.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
For the fourth time this season,
Simone Morris led the Colonials in points with 13. Also, for the fourth time in the 2022-23 season, Morris led the team in rebounds, pulling down seven on the night.
Phoenix Gedeon got close to double digits, scoring nine points against the opposition.
Natalie Johnson in 11:25 minutes of play scored seven points, all coming in the third quarter.
As a team, the Colonials did well from the charity stripe, going 12-for-15 (80%). After 40 minutes of play, RMU shot 29.6% from the field.
MILESTONE UPDATE
- Floor general Mackenzie Amalia added two assists against the Norse to reach 100 career assists.
- Sophomore Danielle Vuletich achieved 100 career rebounds after tonight's game.
QUOTABLES
On having a quick turnaround to Saturday's game: "We need to look at our past mistakes and work on them in practice. We need to apply it to the game so we can win the next one."
- Sophomore Forward Simone Morris
"We need to keep knocking on the door. We've won a lot of games and championships in the past. No matter if you win or lose we need to continue to grind and work hard and stay positive. We come to work every day and value who we are. This team is continuing to fight and continuing to stay connected."
- Head Coach Charlie Buscaglia
UP NEXT
The Colonials get a one-day break to prepare for Wright State on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 1:00 p.m. They'll host the Raiders at the UPMC Events Center.
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