The AU women's basketball team lost both of their games this weekend, falling at home to Towson 69-57 following a 71-59 road loss to Delaware on Friday. With the losses, the Eagles are now in the midst of a three game losing streak following their season opening victory over Fordham.
In the opening period of play, both teams came out very hesitant and sloppy, with a number of miscues and turnovers in the first few minutes. After trading baskets, Towson took the lead with 12 minutes to play in the half, eventually stretching the lead to 11 as the Eagles headed into the locker rooms at halftime down 32-21.
If there was ever a game of two different halves, this would be it. While the Eagles came into the first half slowly, scoring only 10 points through the first 14 minutes of the game, the team entered the second period flying, matching Towson basket for basket.
A key three-pointer by Talicia Jackson followed by a second shot from beyond the arc by teammate Liz Hayes shaved the lead to five points with just under 15 minutes to play in the game.
However, this would be as close as the Eagles would get all game, as Towson began to slowly increase their lead, pushing it back into double digits after a technical foul on AU coach Melissa McFerrin at the 8:26 mark.
The Eagles would be able to cut it down to seven at the 2:15 mark after a Letitia Curry bucket and free throw but it would not be enough to overcome the Tigers, who held on for the eventual 69-57 victory.
Even in defeat, three Eagles players were able to score in double-digits. Sahar Nusseibeh recorded a double-double, scoring 12 points and collecting 10 rebounds. Teammates Liz Hayes and Rachel Brazell scored 12 and 11 points, respectively. Towson's Holly Mahan led all scorers with 17.
In their previous game on Friday night, the Eagles would again play a strong second half but be unable to overcome their large halftime deficit in a loss to Delaware.
Similar to Sunday's game, the Eagles started very slowly in the first half of play, scoring only 22 points while turning the ball over 14 times to fall behind 42-22 at halftime.
However, the second half of play would be much better, as Liz Hayes connected on four of her team-record seven three-pointers in the period. The Eagles would actually outscore the Blue Hens 32-29 in the second half but it would not be enough as they fell by the final score of 71-54.
In her first game against her former team, junior Liz Hayes was able to lead all scorers with 29 points. She also connected on seven out of 12 three-pointers, establishing a new AU single game record for three-point field goals in only her third game with the school.
The Eagles next play on Friday against Loyola Marymount as part of the Loyola Marymount Tournament. The team returns home on Nov. 28 when they take on Maryland-Baltimore County at 7 p.m.
