(DALLAS, Pa.) – The basketball season opened up for Wilson on Thursday evening, but a cold night from the floor was too much to overcome as it fell to Misericordia.
Adrianna Stricek (So., Harrisburg, Pa. / Trinity) led the Phoenix with nine points and a game-high nine rebounds against the Cougars.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 33, Misericordia 71
Venue: Anderson Sports Center
Records: Wilson 0-1, Misericordia 1-0
How It Happened
- It was a tough start for the Blue and White as Misericordia presented a stifling defense while executing at a high level on offense. The Cougars built up a 10-0 lead before Jewels Torres (So., York, Pa. / West York) scored the first point for the Phoenix on a free throw midway through the first quarter. The teams then exchanged layups with Yaya Cannon (Sr., Lancaster, Pa. / Lancaster Catholic) converting for the Phoenix.
- Stricek caught fire in the third quarter where she did most of her damage. She opened the frame with an offensive board which lead to a pair of second chance points. Nearly halfway through the third, Allie Cullison (Jr., Westminster, Md. / Winters Mill) created a turnover which eventually led to a Stricek jumper in the lane. Just 22 seconds later, a steal by Cannon led to a 3-point attempt that was missed, but Stricek was able to pull down the rebound and make the put-back in the paint. Stricek also added an assist in the period as she found Mackenzie Caldwell-Degnon (FY, Rockville, Md. / Richard Montgomery) who drained a triple.
- Wilson was able to see more offensive success in the fourth quarter. Lae Black (So., Laurel, Md. / Meade) led the charge with a layup on a dish from Torres and added another which resulted from a Stricek steal. Unfortunately it wasn't able to make a dent in the deficit as the Cougars shot 58% in the fourth.
Inside The Numbers
- In addition to Stricek, Black helped the Phoenix with eight points.
- The inside game was too tough for the Phoenix to overcome as they were outscored 42-14 in the paint.
- It was also a strong night from the field for the hosts who hit 50% in the game. During the 2022-23 season, the Cougars shot above 43% just twice and over 50% once.
- Jocelyn Grosch led Misericordia with 19 points. She was 8-of-13 from the field with three 3-pointers. She was the only player to reach double-figures.
Up Next
The Phoenix will be back in action when they head to Cresson, Pa., to take on Mount Aloysius on Tuesday. Tip-off with the Mounties is slated for 5:30 p.m.
