Gophers Use 9-0 Spurt to Overcome Mariners

Double-Double From Lambert Helps Even Season Series

TOWSON, Md. — An eight-point Goucher halftime lead disappeared, but Goucher scored nine straight to retake the lead, holding on for a 60-55 conference victory.

Goucher (6-14, 2-8 Landmark) led for the entire first half and took a 28-20 edge into intermission.

At the break, seven of the eight Goucher players with minutes had a made field goal, leading to a balanced scoring attack.

Adrienne Flowers (Columbia, Md./Pallotti) opened the second half with a pair of free throws, growing the lead to double digits for the only time in the game.

After the teams exchanged baskets, Merchant Marine (7-12, 1-10 Landmark) used a 13-3 run to take its first lead of the game at 39-37.

Goucher took the lead back on its next possession when Sharnell Huff (Bowie, Md./Bowie) took a pass from TaQuasia Lambert (Brooklyn, N.Y./Patapsco) and hit an open three.

Huff finished with a team-high 17 points, while Lambert had a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

With the Gophers down 43-42, Amaka Ezeani (Silver Spring, Md./Paint Branch) keyed a 9-0 run with a conventional three-point play to give Goucher a lead it would never relinquish.

With :56.1 remaining, the eight-point Goucher lead looked safe, but a quick 6-0 stretch got the Mariners back in the hunt.

After two missed free throws, Lambert pulled down a strong offensive rebound, getting fouled in the process. The forward was more successful with her opportunity, knocking down both from the charity stripe, giving the Gophers a more comfortable cushion.

In a losing effort, Roshenda Jones shined, scoring 23 points for the Mariners while notching seven steals.  Rebecca Resor had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds in addition to her 3 blocked shots.

Merchant Marine won the first meeting of the season 51-46, aided by a 38-7 edge in free throw attempts.