Potsdam, NY – A run of free throws down the stretch ended the hope of a Clarkson University Women’s Basketball comeback against Rensselaer Friday night, as the Red Hawks closed the final minute with charity stripe shots and offensive rebounding to hold on for a 57-47 Liberty League victory at Alumni Gymnasium.
The Golden Knights dropped to 4-11 overall and 0-4 in conference play while Rensselaer improved to 11-4 and 4-0 with its eighth consecutive victory. Clarkson faces Vassar on Saturday while the Red Hawks visit St. Lawrence.
Clarkson started off with a modest four-point advantage in the first few minutes, but the Red Hawks used a 7-0 run over a span of just 2:25 to take a 15-8 lead. Clarkson rallied back to tie the score at 19-19, but the Red Hawks scored eight unanswered points over the final three minutes of the half to take a 27-19 lead into the locker room.
The Golden Knights had difficulty with the Red Hawks press in the first half as Rensselaer forced 18 turnovers, including 11 steals, with back taps and pressure. However, Rensselaer did not take full advantage of their extra opportunities at its end, shooting just 32.4% (11-for-34 in the first half), as Clarkson controlled the defensive glass with 20 defensive rebounds.
In the second half, Clarkson was able to dramatically reduce its turnovers, but Rensselaer was much more effective from the field, passing the ball to the post for easy lay ups. Trailing by as many as 15 with just over five minutes remaining, the Golden Knights went on a 12-3 run over a four-minute span to pull back to within six points with a minute left. Rensselaer iced the game with six free throws in the final minute to polish off the win.
Sophomore guard Whitney Coleman scored a game-high 12 points for Rensselaer, shooting 5-for-13 from the field. Elizabeth Barker added in 10 points and 10 rebounds in just 22 minutes, making four of her seven attempts from the floor. Monica Thomas (Sandwich, MA) and Vanessa Westcott (Parish, NY) each scored nine points to lead Clarkson.
