Fast Start Carries Saint Joseph’s to Victory

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (February 24, 2007) - In the rubber match between Maine Independents, Saint Joseph's raced to a 20-point halftime lead to defeat Maine-Presque Isle, 63-46, in the consolation game of the Association of Division III Independents tournament at Lincoln University's Manuel Rivero Hall Saturday afternoon.

Saint Joseph's won the season series between the two schools, 2-1. The Monks also avenged a 57-56 loss to the Owls six days earlier at Saint Joseph's.

Saint Joseph's (11-15 overall) placed three players in double figures highlighted by 11 points and 11 rebounds from All-Tournament selection Megan Farrell. Sasha Bowen finished with 11 points and Meg Willette sprang off the bench to supply 10 points. Overall, Saint Joseph's had nine players score at least one point.

Maine-Presque Isle (15-8) never got started, despite 13 points from All-Tournament selection Julie Wescott and 12 points from Leah Joy. UMPI's leading scorer Erica Davis managed just four points and four steals.

Saint Joseph's scored the first seven points of the game. UMPI rebounded to score the next four points to pull to within, 7-4, with 14:14 remaining in the opening half. It was all Saint Joseph's from there. The Monks took control with a 18-4 surge that saw them open a 25-8 advantage with 8:16 remaining.

Saint Joseph's led, 33-13 at intermission despite shooting just 33.3 percent (13-for-39). The Owls made just 6-of-25 field goal attempts in the opening 20 minutes (24 percent). The Monks outrebounded UMPI, 45-25.