Falling behind by as many as 12 points in the first nine minutes, the Cazenovia women’s team mounted a first-half comeback that led to an easy second-half victory. With the win, the Wildcats improve to 8-17 on the season and finish the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) regular-season with a 7-8 record. Keystone, with the loss, falls to 5-20 on the year and 3-12 in the NEAC.
The Wildcats fell behind early, hitting just one field-goal in the first nine minutes of play. However, Cazenovia finished the half on a big run to pull ahead at the conclusion of the first stanza, 24-18.
Expanding the lead in the second half to a comfortable margin, the Wildcats cruised to an easy victory.
Key to the victory, the Wildcats silenced Keystone standout, Kerry Fallon. Fallon, who lit up the Wildcats for 24 points in the first meeting between the teams on Jan. 21, was held to just 1-for-7 from the field in first-half and 2-for-8 in the second half. Fallon, who averages 17 points-a-game, finished with just eleven points for the Giants.
Cazenovia’s Heather Nearpass (’08, Clyde / Clyde-Savanna HS) led all scorers. Nearpass, who has scored in double-figures in two of her last three games, finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
The Wildcats were led by the all-around effort of Jenna Lipiska (’07, Weedsport / Weedsport HS). Lipiska, who finished the game with her first double-double of the season, recorded ten points, ten rebounds and a block. The game against the Giants is the third straight game that Lipiska has scored ten points.
The win against the Giants is the third straight win for the Wildcats’ women’s squad. Tying its longest winning streak of the season, the Wildcats, who started the season with ten straight losses, finished the regular-season 7-7 in its last 14 games.
The Cazenovia Men’s squad fell behind early against the taller Keystone team and ultimately succumbed to the Giants, 67-92. Keystone, who is alone atop the NEAC North standings, put away the Wildcats early with a dominate inside game and a significant defensive effort. With the loss the Wildcats fall to 8-17 on the season and finish the NEAC regular-season schedule with a record of 7-9. Keystone improves to 19-6 with the win and 14-2 in the NEAC on the year.
Keystone easily held off any and all Cazenovia comeback attempts with big defensive stands and inside baskets.
Cazenovia, who was down by as many as 19 points in the first half, failed to find an answer for Keystone’s Andre Stone. Stone, who scored a game-high 24 points, scored point 1000 in his Giant’s career in the closing minute of the game to the delight of the Keystone faithful.
Cazenovia’s Steven Zavackis (’07, Carthage / Carthage HS) led the Wildcats with 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots.
With the final regular-season games decided, the NEAC will make an official announcement regarding tournament seeding, locations and times on Sun., Feb. 19.
The Cazenovia men’s squad, ranked as the third seed in the NEAC North, is expected to play its first-round game at Keuka College , the second seed in the North, at 8:00 PM , at Keuka College , on Tues., Feb. 21.
The Cazenovia women’s squad, also marked as a third seed in the NEAC North, will face second seed Keuka College , thanks to a D’Youville Lady Spartans victory over Bard College on Sat. Feb 18. The team is expected to head to Keuka College for a 6:00 PM battle on Tues., Feb. 21.
These proposed times are subject to change and may be rescheduled by the NEAC if time conflicts arise. Please check back with the Cazenovia College Website, www.cazenovia.edu/athletics, or the NEAC Website, www.neacsports.com, for confirmation of playoff times and locations on Sun., Feb. 19.
Created On: 2/18/2006 11:50:46 PM