Release courtesy of ACPHS Athletics
The #4 ranked Panthers pulled out a 47-30 on Senior Day against the College of New Rochelle, which made them the 2015-16 HVIAC Regular Season Champion. ACPHS is now 14-3 overall and finishes the year undefeated in the HVIAC at 5-0. CNR falls to 8-13 overall, and will have to settle for second place at 4-1 in the league.
Both teams struggled early, with the Panthers down 5-4 after a three by JaNasha King in the early going. ACPHS then rattled off at 13-4 run to end the first quarter, punctuated by a three by senior Rochelle Whitton (Hermon, NY / Hermon-De Kalb). With Albany holding a 17-9 advantage headed to the second quarter, both defenses showed up, only allowing thirteen total points in the period. The half was dominated by Whitten and sophomore Dannie Griffin(Paramus, NJ / Paramus Catholic) who combined for 19 of the Panthers' 23 points. Unfortunately, the quarter ended on a scary note, when freshman Katie Walker (Canton, CT / Canton) went crashing into the wall going hard for a rebound. Everybody at ACPHS wishes her a speedy recovery.
Despite their fallen teammate, the Panther kept up the pressure after the break, giving up just six points on three made field goals in the third quarter. ACPHS only scored eight of their own though, but still took a nine-point lead into the final quarter. The Blue Angels clawed back at the start, cutting the Panther lead to just three with 6:36 left in the game after a pair of free throws by Jasmine Brandon. After this point, ACPHS would not allow another point, going on a 14-0 run to bring home their second consecutive regular season title. Whitton was the star of the game, getting nine steals and three assists in addition to her 15 points. Griffin led all scorers with 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds on the day. For CNR, Brandon scored a team-high 12 and recorded a game-high 15 rebounds despite fouling out with 4:04 to go. Caitlin Harrison scored seven and added 11 rebounds in a losing effort.
# # #
Release courtesy of CNR Athletics
ALBANY, NY- It was a preview of what could be the HVIAC Championship in two weeks. The host Albany Pharmacy Panthers and the College of New Rochelle Women's Basketball teams battled it out in a defensive contest. Despite closing the gap to 33-30 early in the 4th quarter, the Blue Angels went cold down the stretch and fell by a 47-30 final.
After CNR senior Jasmine Brandon (Jersey City, NJ) fouled out with 5:24 to play, Albany Pharmacy went on a 14-0 run to end the game. The Panthers improved to 14-3 overall and 5-0 in league play, while CNR falls to 8-13 overall and 4-1 in league play. Both teams have one more league contest before the HVIAC Championships, which will be held at CNR on February 20-21.
In an offensive struggle for both teams, CNR shot just 22% while Albany Pharmacy shot 26%. The Panthers picked up 13 of their points from the charity stripe while CNR only earned nine trips and made just five free throws.
Brandon led the Blue Angels with 12 points and 15 boards, while sophomore Caitlin Harrison (Bronx, NY) added seven points to go with 11 rebounds.
