The Falcon women’s basketball team fell for their second time of the season by a score of 76-44 by the hands of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
The team was scheduled to play against South Dakota State last season, however the game was cancelled due to bad weather at the time. The team was happy to get the opportunity to be able to play them this season, despite getting the loss.
“We were fortunate to get them back on our schedule this year and make it happen,” Falcons head coach Jennifer Roos said. “(Head coach Aaron) Johnston’s got a fantastic team. When you beat two out of three BCS opponents on your schedule, he’s got it rolling, but he’s got a team that’s not only talented, but plays hard, and to me, that’s a big key. It really reminds me of our 2007 team that went to the Sweet 16.”
The Falcons did not have a good day from the floor. They shot 16-of-62 on shots and was able to convert just 3-of-21 on their three-pointers.
“I thought we had some good looks, but we rushed our shots,” Roos said. “We talked about the significance of this opportunity, having South Dakota State on our non-conference schedule, and I have no doubt that they’ll be ranked here in the next coaches’ poll.”
The Falcons had 12 different players put points on the board, but none of them were able to reach double digits.
“This was a game where they were much more physical than we were,” Roos said. “When you get out-rebounded by 20, that’s a telltale sign. The game was all about ball control and they had a lot of second and third opportunities.”
Leading the way for the Falcons, however, was Andrea Cecil with seven points, and guards Carly Santoro and Sydney Lambert with five points apiece.
“We did a good job of boxing out at the beginning, but we couldn’t get to the ball after. (South Dakota State) played relentlessly, played with a lot of passion and heart in that rebounding category and I think that’s a true sign of a really talented team.”
The team also believed they will be able to turn around quickly for the next game.
“We did not have second chance shot opportunities,” Roos said. “We haven’t been outrebounded like that all season long, and they went and got the ball, but we have the ability to do that, and I know we’ll do better.”
The team will next play Monday, Dec. 18 on the road against the Ferris State Bulldogs.
