(BALTIMORE, Md.) – Allie Cullison (Jr., Westminster, Md. / Winters Mill / Kean) hit four 3-pointers en route to 18 points, but it wasn't enough as Wilson fell to Notre Dame in divisional play on Tuesday evening. The Phoenix and Gators both entered the game as two of three unbeaten teams in Skye Division play, but the hosts showed why they are the defending league champions as they jumped out to an early lead after a stout defensive start.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 59, Notre Dame 79
Venue: MBK Athletic Complex
Records: Wilson 2-5, 2-1 Skye; Notre Dame 4-4, 3-0 Skye
How It Happened
- The Gators imprinted their dominance early as they controlled the paint and glass to go up by double-digits in the first five minutes. On the opposite end, Wilson had trouble getting to the basket and were held from making a field goal until there was 3:48 to go in the first. At the end of the frame Notre Dame led 25-8.
- Wilson found some rhythm in the second quarter as they made 53:9% (7-of-13) of its shots. The Phoenix also started to heat up from outside the arc as Mackenzie Caldwell-Degnon (FY, Rockville, Md. / Richard Montgomery) hit a triple just past the midway mark of the second. Another trey, this time by Cullison, cut the deficit to 19 with 2:09 until halftime.
- Cullison added another 3-pointer at the start of the second half as she continued to build her big night. Midway through the third Adrianna Stricek (So., Harrisburg, Pa. / Trinity) added a pair of free throws to make the score 49-34. In the fourth quarter, the Phoenix shot 50% overall and added three more 3-pointers, but the Gators remained hot as well as they made half of their attempts.
Inside The Numbers
- Cullison continues to improve as she totaled a career-high in her fourth consecutive game. The Kean transfer has now scored in double figures the past three games.
- Stricek finished with 13 points and was 5-for-7 from the field. She added three rebounds and three steals to her line. Caldwell-Degnon rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10.
- Both teams have traditionally been strong inside the paint. However, this night belonged to the Gators as they dominated the rebounding battle and outscored the Phoenix inside as well. All was not lost for Wilson as the Blue and White found success from 3-point range. They made seven treys on the night, the most in a game since February 14, 2022, coincidentally also against Notre Dame.
- The Gators were led by Hillary Howard who totaled 20 points and was 9-of-15 from the field. Amani Watts added a double double for the hosts on 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Up Next
The Phoenix will be back in action Thursday as they host Shenandoah in non-conference action. Tip-off with the Hornets is set for 7 p.m.
