Women's hoops' offensive struggles persist in 10-point loss to Lafayette

EASTON, Pa. — If you ask people what the hardest aspect of basketball is, you will get a number of different answers.

Some will say understanding defense, others will say executing the offense. Most will say that the hardest aspect of basketball is losing.

According to the women's basketball team, however, the hardest part of basketball is losing when you know you should be winning.

"We know that we're good," sophomore forward Maureen Lane said. "We know that we can do it. We just need to put some of the pieces together."

The pieces did not fall together last night as the Tigers (0-5) fell to Lafayette (3-2) by a score of 58-48.

The game began with a pair of turnovers by the Tigers and a foul on senior guard and co-captain Jessica Munson. However, the tide seemed to be turning for the team after a strong defensive rebound by junior forward Lauren Rigney and an amazing steal by sophomore forward Lee Culp.

This was quickly followed by a layup by Culp. A series of defensive rebounds by Culp and Munson and a 1-of-2 performance at the line by sophomore guard Allison Cahill put the Tigers up 3-0 with 15 minutes, 31 seconds left in the first half.

However, this would be the only time the Tigers would lead the Leopards. It would also be the last time the Tigers would score until 12:10 remained in the half.

"The biggest thing that we have to work on is our scoring," head coach Kevin Morris said. "Our defense so far has been good enough to win games. We have been holding our opponents to 50, 60 points. What we have to work on now is offensive execution."

A number of times, Princeton managed to challenge the Leopards' lead. Coming out of halftime trailing, 27-16, the Tigers looked to establish their presence. A layup by Munson and another by Rigney less than a minute later brought the team to within seven with 18:46 on the clock.

The Leopards, however, soon met this offensive surge. For the next 10 minutes, the two teams traded points back and forth. Although the Tigers were within striking distance, the Leopards were able to maintain a 7-10 point lead. A three-pointer by Cahill — followed by a three-pointer by Lane and another by Cahill — brought the score to 40-35 in favor of Lafayette with 7:35 remaining in the game.

This, however, was as close as the Tigers would get. A series of three-pointers by Lafayette guard Kim Costello prematurely ended the comeback by the Tigers. Costello would eventually end the game with a career-high 18 points, including a team-high five three-pointers.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

"We know what we need to do to win," Munson said. "We know that what happens out on the court is within our control. We just have to approach each game one day at a time."