2011 MAAC Tournament : Greetings from Bridgeport

posted by Swish Appeal
Friday, March 4, 2011 at 6:08pm EST

In keeping with SB Nation’s innovative use of social media in reshaping sports journalism, our vision is a women's basketball site that goes beyond merely providing game reports; instead, we want to capture the narratives that fuel our passion for the game, while maintaining the critical stance that helps us understand the game better.

Traffic cooperated and the 75 mile trip from New Jersey, a snap. Arrived a half hour before the 9:30 am tipoff and first order of the day, press room coffee.

A look at yesterday's results:

Offensive Efficiency

Canisius 63 91

Canius 52 75

St. Peter's 57 77

Rider 47 64

The seventh seeded Golden Griffins of Canisius led 30-28 at the half. In a deliberate 30 possession opening twenty minutes, the Griffs had the edge in offensive efficiency 100-97. A further stat of note, only four Canisius turnovers. An impressive 13% TO raee for a club starting three freshmen.

Canisius built the lead to eight early in the second half. Loyola got back in switching from man to zone. The zone caught the Griffs a bit tentative on offense and energized Loyola. The Greyhound offense picked up and with 8 minutes to play and a tie at 43, we had a game.

Loyola forces the turnovers but comes up empty on their own end. These two versus seven quarterfinal games are often blowouts. Not this one. Young Canisius is enjoying being in the hunt in the stretch. Loyola is fighting for its collective life.

Commissioner Rich Ensor comes over and says hello. Have known Ensor for years and he epitomizes the camaraderie and friendliness of this ten school group.

Good to see Canisius men's coach Tom Parrotta courtside watching Terry Zeh's women's program. That show of support is wonderful and something you see a lot of in the MAAC.

Micayla Drysdale hits two free throws to give Canisius a one point lead with thirteen seconds left. Loyola comes up empty. Drysdale is fouled on the rebound and cans two with three seconds left. Miriam McKenzie buries a three at the buzzer 49 all. Overtime. No one, least of all Loyola coach Joe Logan, is complaining.

Loyola scores on their first possession. The Greyhounds get a defensive stop at the other end. There is over four minutes left in OT but you can feel the momentum has drastically been altered.

Forty seconds left. Seniors exit for Canisius. Sad to see a special player like Micayla Drysdale have a career come to a finish.

Final: Loyola 68 Canisius 53

Back later...

To watch the MAAC tournament, visit MAACSports.com.

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2011 MAAC Tournament : Greetings from Bridgeport

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