LA PLUME, Pa. – The Rosemont Ravens (11-11, 7-6 CSAC) overcame a late comeback attempt by the host Keystone College Giants (11-12, 8-6 CSAC) this evening to claim the conference win tonight by the final score of 78-72. The win for Rosemont was their fourth straight.
The Ravens opened up the game strongly, adding to their lead throughout the first half and outscoring the Giants by a count of 42-28 in the first frame. Knowing the recent history between these two teams, one had to feel that Keystone had a comeback in them, and the Ravens would have to hold on to survive.
The Ravens still led comfortably early in the second half after a layup from Dominique Sellers gave Rosemont a 15-point lead, ahead 56-41 with 13:06 to play. Unfortunately for the Ravens, that lead would evaporate faster than a puddle in Death Valley on a summer afternoon.
The Giants would go on to outscore the Ravens 24-3 in the span of 5:53 to grab a six-point lead at 65-59 with 7:13 to play. Tonight, however, the Ravens had a solid comeback of their own in their portfolio. While the Rosemont defense was stopping the Giants on their possessions, two buckets from Liz Coyne got the Ravens back to within 65-63. Two clutch free throws by Leilani Naone-Carter tied the score at 65-65 with just under five minutes to play.
Four straight baskets by Rosemont ended their 14-0 run, with the Ravens back in front 73-65. The Giants would not go away when, with Rosemont leading by five points, Keystone's Ashley Evans drained a trey from the right baseline and was fouled, making the free throw for a 4-point play to narrow the Rosemont advantage to one point, 73-72 with 1:21 left in the game.
Rosemont did not connect on their next possession, and Evans was aiming to make another three-pointer to put the home side in front by two, but missed this time with 40 seconds left. A key defensive rebound by Liz Coyne led to a pass down low. A missed layup was rebounded by Brianna Macauley who made the putback to give the Ravens a little breathing room, leading 75-72 with 37 seconds left.
A Keystone turnover and quick foul put Nymira Nelson on the line. Nelson made a key free throw to put Rosemont ahead 76-72. Keystone would again try a 3-pointer, but it was off the mark. Keystone fouled Liz Coyne after she grabbed the defensive rebound and Coyne would put the game away with two free throws to account for the final score.
It was another team-driven winning effort for Rosemont as four players hit double figures. Liz Coyne scored her 15th double-double of the season, leading all scorers with 21 points and all rebounders with 16. Leilani Naone-Carter and Dominique Sellers each tallied 14 while Kierra Smith scored 10. Nymira Nelson had a big night off the glass, pulling down nine boards.
Keystone had three players hit double-digits as Aaliya Hayes and Alyssa Cuomo each scored 18 and Jazmyn Robinson scored 17.
The Ravens will strive to keep their winning streak alive when they return to Alumnae Hall on Saturday as they host the Centenary Cyclones in a CSAC game. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00pm.
