FLCC Extends its Win Streak to Six Games with 56-54 Win Over Clinton
CANANDAIGUA – The Lady Lakers, in their latest game, squared off with the Clinton CC Lady Cougars on Sunday amidst their own court. Finger Lakes, riding a five-game winning streak into the contest, extended its streak to six games by edging the Lady Cougars – 56-54. The win moved the Lady Lakers record to 9-9 (5-0 MSAC).
Sunday's game – staring overtime right into its eyes – didn't come without any late game drama.
The Lady Lakers, leading Clinton 54-52 with just seconds remaining on the game clock, grabbed its sixth consecutive victory – but it would come in dramatic fashion.
With 15.6 seconds remaining in the second half, the Lady Cougars Katrina Garrand – after a Lady Lakers foul, converted on two free throws – tying the game at 54. Finger Lakes, after her free throws, would be given an opportunity to reclaim the lead.
Lady Lakers shooting guard Casi Strait – with the ball in her hands – drove towards Finger Lakes basket – before pulling up for a long-range jump shot just inside the perimeter. Her shot – which showed great form after it left her finger tips – went into the atmosphere and came down into the Lady Lakers hoop with just seconds remaining on the game clock.
Strait's jump shot gave the Lady Lakers a 56-54 lead.
After Strait's shot went into the cylinder, Clinton would be given an opportunity to either tie the game or take the lead. With just 10 seconds to go, the Lady Cougars would come up empty on what would be the final possession of the meeting.
After Clinton couldn't answer Strait's made jump shot, Finger Lakes would hold on for the two-point victory.
In the win, the Lady Lakers were led by the offensive efforts of Strait. On the afternoon – the sophomore – despite being in foul trouble early in the second half – scored a game-high 15 points.
Clinton, despite falling, received double-digit scoring efforts out of three of its players. Emily Decker, Alisha Ducatte, and Katlyn Gates – supplied the Lady Cougars with 14-point, 13-point and 11-point performances respectively.
Clinton, who trailed by double-digit numbers at halftime, edged its way back into the contest in the final 20 minutes. Finger Lakes held a 33-22 halftime lead behind 12 first half points out of Strait. The Lady Cougars – despite falling just two points short on the scoreboard – outscored the Lady Lakers in the final half by a count of – 32-23.
Finger Lakes, in the win, shot just 35% from the field and were 40% (8-20) from three. Clinton, as a team, shot just 29% from the floor. The Lady Lakers, on the day, converted on 8-20 three's. Strait, along with teammates Casey Dean and Kelli McCauley – each dropped in a pair of three-point baskets on the afternoon.
Dean – who was 2-3 from three and 4-7 from the field – recorded 12 points in 22 minutes off of the bench.
McCauley and teammate Britany Monpere each registered 9 points apiece for Finger Lakes. McCauley – in addition to her points – passed out 4 assists. Joining her with 4 dimes of her own was Lady Lakers point guard Julia Pagano. Monpere added 8 rebounds and a game-high 5 steals to go along with her scoring.
Sophomore forward Jordan Smith controlled the glass for Finger Lakes. The Lyons, NY native, who, like Monpere, played in all 40 minutes of the game, pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds.
For Clinton, (Emily) Decker added a game-high 16 rebounds in addition to her team-high 14 points. Gates followed her in the rebounding department for the Lady Cougars by pulling down 10 boards in the loss. Ducatte and Garrand each contributed 5 assists apiece for Clinton.
The Lady Lakers, in their next game, will host #9 nationally ranked Onondaga CC this Wednesday (1/23) at home. Game time tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.