Thoroughbreds win Salem Holiday Tournament

Box Score

SALEM, Mass. – Senior Jordyn Wartts scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Skidmore to a 54-48 win over Albertus Magnus in the Salem State Women's Basketball Holiday Tournament championship game.

Wartts was named to the All-Tournament Team, while along with teammate and tournament MVP Angela Botiba who scored nine points, had 17 rebounds and recorded five blocks. With the victory the Thoroughbreds lift their record to 5-4 as the Falcons drop to 3-7.

Sparked by a three-pointer from Wartts, Skidmore went on an 11-0 run early in the first half that gave them a 20-11 lead with 9:05 remaining. Albertus Magnus would counter that run with one of their own when Annie Raucci knocked down a mid-range jumper to lead the Falcons on a 16-1 run that gave Albertus Magnus a 27-21 lead. Back-to-back three's from Lindsey Davis late in the half brought Skidmore back and the teams went into the half tied 31-31.

Evenly matched, both teams traded baskets in the second half. Davis converted on a Falcons turnover that gave Skidmore some breathing room and a 45-40 lead. Wartts converted on an and-one opportunity with just: 39 left to give the Thoroughbreds a 50-47 lead. Albertus had one final attempt to tie, but a three point attempt missed and the Thoroughbreds held on for the 54-48 victory.

Davis added 12 points all from three point range for Skidmore.

"A win is a win," said Skidmore coach Darren Bennett. "It certainly wasn't pretty by any stretch, but we found a way to maintain the lead at the most important time and came away with a win. Albertus Magnus is a tough gritty team with strong players and a great coach. Their zone was well played. They forced us into a lot of perimeter shots and we didn't shoot well at all.

"We can build on close wins. It's tough to keep the team up if you end up on the other side in those games. Well take a day off, tighten some things up and get ready for conference play starting in January.

"Overall I'm pleased with out teams progress from the start of the season. We've grown a lot for a young team."

The Thoroughbreds are off until a Jan. 7 game at Clarkson.

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