UPDATE: In a nail-biting showdown, the Le Moyne College women’s basketball team suffered a heart-wrenching 52-51 overtime defeat against Cornell University in their home-opener on Saturday afternoon at Ted Grant Court in Syracuse, N.Y.
This thrilling contest leaves Le Moyne with a record of 1-4 for the season, as the Dolphins fought hard but fell short in the extra period. Overtime drama unfolded as both teams exchanged leads, highlighting the intense competition that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Sophomore guard Eli Clark emerged as the star of the game, leading all scorers with 17 points, including a stellar 4-6 performance from beyond the arc. Clark also contributed with two rebounds and one assist over an impressive 39 minutes on the court. Her efforts were key in keeping Le Moyne in contention throughout the game.
Senior guard Sierra Linnin added 11 points, becoming the second all-time leader in three-point field goals made for Le Moyne, surpassing Kim Black’s record from 1989-93. Linnin also grabbed seven rebounds and recorded two steals, showcasing her defensive prowess.
Junior forward Ashley Buragas matched Linnin’s score with 11 points and achieved her second double-double of the season, pulling down a team-high 10 rebounds. Buragas also led the team with three assists, demonstrating her versatility on the court.
The Dolphins started strong, quickly establishing an early lead of 8-2 thanks to a layup from Buragas and back-to-back threes from Linnin and Clark. However, Cornell responded with a nine-point run, taking the lead and setting the stage for a back-and-forth battle.
As the game progressed, both teams struggled to maintain momentum. The first half concluded with a tie at 24-24, and the tension only escalated in the second half. Le Moyne briefly pulled ahead with a 31-26 lead before Cornell fought back, setting the stage for a dramatic final quarter.
With just seconds remaining in regulation, Le Moyne appeared poised for victory, leading 45-43 until Cornell’s Audrey Chen hit a crucial three-pointer, tying the game at 45-45 and forcing overtime.
In the overtime period, the Big Red took the initiative with a quick jumper from Clarke Jackson, but Le Moyne’s Buragas responded with a layup to tie it again. Chen’s decisive three-pointer put Cornell ahead, and despite a valiant effort from Le Moyne, they could not reclaim the lead, ultimately falling 52-51.
This defeat serves as a tough lesson for the Dolphins as they prepare for their next challenge against the Bucknell Bison in Lewisburg, Pa., on November 25, at 11:00 a.m.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to rally behind Le Moyne as they look to bounce back from this close loss and regain their momentum in the upcoming games. Stay tuned for updates as the season progresses!
