McDaniel Scored Season-Best 27 in Gophers’ Loss to Susquehanna

BALTIMORE, MD - The Goucher College Gophers (5-11 overall, 1-8 Landmark) hosted the River Hawks of Susquehanna University (13-3 overall, 6-3 Landmark) at the Decker Sports and Recreation Center on Wednesday evening. The contest developed into an offensive battle, with the River Hawks utilizing a strong fourth quarter to earn an 87-70 victory.

Susquehanna set the pace early, scoring the first four points of the game. Sanai Knox put the Gophers on the board with a jump shot, followed by a defensive rebound from Nia Edens that led to an Aniya McDaniel 3-pointer. The teams traded baskets before Susquehanna took a 10-7 lead with 6:05 remaining in the first quarter. The River Hawks went on an eight-point run to extend their advantage to 18-7. Davis halted the run with a layup, while McDaniel closed the quarter with five points for Goucher. Susquehanna held a 20-14 lead at the end of the first.

Edens opened the second quarter with a jump shot just five seconds in. The River Hawks capitalized at the free-throw line, while McDaniel and Knox responded by converting their free throws for the Gophers. After a brief scoring drought, Lauryn Towns scored on a layup, bringing Goucher within 10 points with 5:54 left in the half. Leila Townsend added two points, and Edens broke a minute-and-a-half scoring stalemate with a 3-pointer. McDaniel followed with five more points, but Susquehanna closed the half at the line and took a 42-31 lead into halftime.

Both teams opened the third quarter with early baskets, including a McDaniel 3-pointer. Susquehanna added to its lead from the free-throw line to move ahead 49-34. Davis finished a layup with 7:16 remaining. McDaniel converted a layup and free throw after drawing a foul, while Edens made both of her free throws. With 2:55 remaining, Savannah Holmes knocked down a 3-pointer as the Gophers continued to chip away at the deficit. Edens added another layup to pull Goucher within seven at 59-52. Susquehanna responded with four points, and Towns capped the quarter with a jump shot. The River Hawks led 66-55 heading into the fourth.

Susquehanna shifted the momentum in their favor, scoring the first 11 points. Edens answered with a 3-pointer at the 6:34 mark, followed by layups from Towns and McDaniel. Holmes added two points with 3:25 remaining, and Davis scored on a layup following a Gopher timeout. Davis continued to attack the paint in the final minutes and converted two additional layups. The River Hawks maintained their lead and secured the 87-70 win.

Susquehanna shot 43.3% from the field compared to Goucher's 40.3%. The Gophers had the edge from beyond the arc, shooting 7-16, as the River Hawks went 8-30. Susquehanna held the advantage at the free-throw line, converting 91.3% compared to Goucher's 60%.

The Gophers will return to action on Friday, Jan. 23, when they host Scranton in a conference matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 pm at the Decker Sports and Recreation Center.