The AU women’s basketball team lost its home opener to James Madison University Nov. 13, losing 68-64 in a thrilling double overtime finish.
The Dukes (2-0, 0-0 CAA) were led by Tarik Hislop (22 points) and Kirby Burkholder (19 points, 12 rebounds). The duo combined to score 41 out of 68 points for JMU.
Lisa Strack (13 points, 8 rebounds) and junior center Stephanie Anya (10 points, 10 rebounds) led the Eagles (1-1, 0-0 PL) in the loss.
“We had our chances, we had some opportunities to finish it,” AU Head Coach Matt Corkery said. “Free throws, offensive rebounds, turnovers — if you look at those lines, that was the game right there.”
AU had a chance to win at the end of regulation and the first overtime, but in both situations, the Eagles failed to make two free throws.
The game’s drama began at the end of the second half. With JMU leading 54-53 with 25 seconds left in the game, Corkery drew up a play that gave sophomore guard Ti’Asia McGeorge an open 3-pointer.
McGeorge’s shot clanged off the rim, but Anya came up with the offensive rebound. Anya drew a foul and, with seven seconds left, made one of two free throws to tie the game at 54 apiece and send it to overtime.
AU again had a chance at the foul line to win the game in overtime. With 20 ticks on the clock and the Dukes leading 60-59, Strack drew a foul on a drive to the basket. However, just like Anya at the end of regulation, Strack made only one of her two free throws, and the game entered a second extra period.
The second overtime was neck-and-neck throughout. JMU took the lead late 65-64, and AU was forced to foul following a Sarah Kiely turnover.
Hislop made both free throws for the Dukes, and with 17 seconds left, the Eagles needed a 3-pointer to tie. Strack missed a contested 3-pointer, and JMU held on for the 67-64 victory.
Turnovers and missed free throws were a theme for AU, as it finished with 21 total turnovers, and went 8-15 from the foul line.
Despite the mistakes, there were positives to take from the game. It was a total team effort for the Eagles, as every player who saw playing time registered at least four points. Corkery used the Eagles depth to his advantage, constantly subbing in fresh legs, which provided energy on the court.
“Our bench is going to be huge for us,” Corkery said. “We’ve got to rely on these guys day in and day out.”
AU will look for its second win of the season when it takes on Oakland University Nov. 15 at Bender Arena.
“We’ve got to learn from this quickly,” Corkery said. “Just like you got to move on to the next play in a game, you’ve got to move on to the next game.”
