Black Knights Edge Out Pioneers

Sunday, November 21

Fairfield, CT

1:30 P.M.

Army West Point

1-2,0-0Patriot

Sacred Heart University

2-2,0-0NEC

Army West Point

Sacred Heart

Black Knights Edge Out Pioneers

November 21, 2021 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

GAME 3
SCORE	Army 76, Sacred Heart 68
RECORDS	Army (1-2, 0-0) \| Sacred Heart (2-2, 0-0)
LOCATION	Fairfield, CT

FAIRFIELD, Conn. --- Junior forward Sabria Hunter racked up her first double-double of the season in Army West Point women's basketball triumphant win over Sacred Heart, 76-68, on Sunday afternoon. Head coach Missy Traversi picked up her first win as head coach of the Black Knights.

Army's offense was well spread through the game as three players finished with double-digit points. Hunter led the way with 23 points shooting 66 percent from the floor. The junior forward also snatched 11 rebounds, four steals, and recorded one block for the Cadets. Trinity Hardy finished with 17 points, four steals, three rebounds, and two assists. Kate Murray was hot from beyond the arc shooting 75 percent to help her rack up 11 points while also adding one three rebounds.

Taylor Sullivan helped on the boards as she collected nine of Army's 38 rebounds. The Black Knights won the battles in the paint scoring 40 points compared to the Pioneers' 28.

How It Happened

Sacred Heart had the lead first, 2-0, before Army took control of the first quarter scoring 25 points while shooting 71 percent from the floor. Hunter played a big role in the Black Knights' offense scoring 13 points going 5-of-5 from the floor and 3-of-4 from the free throw line. Hardy scored eight points and recorded two steals. Army's took advantage of the Pioneers' turnovers in the first quarter, scoring eight points of the six turnovers by Sacred Heart. At the end of the first, Army lead 25-15.

Hardy opened the second quarter with a driving layup before Army hit a scoring drought. Sacred Heart's offense found its groove for a few minutes scoring nine points cutting Army's lead to 29-22. Sullivan silenced the Pioneers' efforts with a fast break layup (31-22). Sacred Heart took advantage of Army's 12 turnovers in the quarter to cut the lead to two points heading into the second half (39-37). At halftime, Army was out rebounding Sacred Heart 22-7.

In the third quarter, the Pioneers stayed on the Black Knights' heels. Murray sunk a trey that helped get the momentum back in Army's favor (47-41). The teams continued to trade shots keeping the game close. After the media timeout, Natalie Rhine hit another big three point shot for the Black Knights (51-43). The Pioneers hit a few more shot to cut Army's lead to 55-51 at the end of the third quarter.

Hardy hit a trey in the eighth minute of the fourth quarter to ignite a 7-0 scoring run for Army (64-57). Murray hit two more three pointers in the quarter to make the score 74-66 with less than a minute left. Army held the Pioneers' off to win 76-68, picking of the team and Coach Traversi's first win of the season. Murray led the team with eight points in the quarter, Hardy followed with seven.

Inside the Box Score

Sabria Hunter notched her fourth double-double and second 20-point game of her career.
Hunter recorded the fourth game of her career with 10 or more rebounds.
Trinity Hardy and Kate Murray each recorded their second double-digit scoring game of the season.
Army out rebounded Sacred Heart 38-24.
The Black Knights capitalized on second chance points scoring 14 points.
The largest lead Army had was 12 points in the second quarter.
Army finished two quarters with 20-plus points.

Coach's Corner
"Starters set the tone and got us off to a strong start. We were slowed down by foul trouble but our bench players really stepped up for us. We are happy to have to have Melanie (George) back on the court. Sabria (Hunter) showed what she can truly do both in the paint and on the glass. She played a big role in our dominance on the boards tonight. Winning the rebound battle helped us finish possessions and get those second chance opportunities. It was a tough and gritty road win." - head coach Missy Traversi

Cadet's Corner
"Today we had a balanced attack and fought through the hard moments together. This win was huge for us, and I know it will give us momentum to continue showing not only ourselves but others what we are capable of, especially heading into the Air Force game. Our best basketball is still ahead of us and I'm excited to see what the future holds for this team." – Sabria Hunter

Up Next
Army will defend Christl Arena against Air Force on Wednesday, Nov. 24. The showdown will tip off at 1 p.m.

Follow Along
For complete coverage of Army West Point women's basketball, follow the Black Knights on Twitter @ArmyWP_WBB, on Instagram @armywestpointwbb, and online at www.goarmywestpoint.com.