Lionel SobehartSarah Schell simply had the game of her career.ÿ
With only seven regular season games remaining in her Washington University basketball career, the senior guard had the performance of a lifetime, scoring a career high 32 points in the Red and Green’s (14-4, 6-1 UAA) 78-71 defeat of number 15 New York University (16-2, 5-2 UAA) Sunday.ÿ ÿ
“I remind my players that it is senior time,” said head coach Nancy Fahey.ÿ “Sarah really stepped up today.”
This incredible performance, combined with the University of Chicago’s two losses over the weekend, allowed Wash. U. to move into first place in the UAA.ÿ Once overlooked as a title contender after losing three of their first four games, the Bears now lead the toughest conference in Division III women’s basketball. The Lady Bears also defeated nationally ranked Brandeis on Friday, 69-50.
Sophomore Jaimie McFarlin also came up big yesterday afternoon, achieving her eighth double-double of the season.ÿ McFarlin had an especially clutch performance in the second half, where she scored 16 of her career-high 18 points and grabbed six of her 10 rebounds.
“Jaimie is an explosive player, especially when she puts her mind to it, which she did in the second half today,” said Fahey.
The game got off to a slow start, with both teams being held scoreless for nearly two minutes. Schell put Wash. U. on the board first, beginning her scoring rampage at the 17:10 mark with a jumper.ÿ The Bears remained sluggish for nearly two minutes, falling behind by seven points.ÿ The team began to slowly close the gap, beginning with a lay-up by senior Rebecca Parker with 15:16 remaining in the half.ÿ Sophomore Halsey Ward gave the Bears the lead at the 12:13 mark and from there, the team never looked back.
The Red and Green started the second half much more explosively than the first, not allowing a Violets field goal for over four minutes.ÿ The team continued to extend its scoring advantage, leading by as many as 12 midway through the half.
The Bears held their cool, connecting on 13 of 16 free throws down the stretch and sinking eight of 10 in the final minute.ÿ Schell was perfect from the charity stripe, hitting allÿ 10 of her attempts on the afternoon.
McFarlin’s hot streak seemed to be in doubt when she received her fourth foul with 8:14 remaining in the game.ÿ However, she continued to play like she had nothing to lose.ÿ “We have a great bench with so many players capable of stepping up at any time,” said McFarlin. “This allows me to always give it my all on the court.”
The Bears’ shooting was particularly impressive yesterday, as the squad connected on 46.6 percent of their shots from the field and hit 37.5 percent of their 3-pointers.
No one seemed to be more excited by the team’s performance than Schell.ÿ “We have a great rivalry with NYU and this was my last chance to play them at home.ÿ My adrenaline really helped me throughout the game,” she said.
In an interesting twist, Wash. U. and NYU meet again next Friday in New York.ÿ This match-up will be particularly interesting after the underdog Bears soundly defeated the Violets yesterday.ÿ “We have lots of respect for New York University,” said Fahey.ÿ “We will try to come out and win again next weekend.”ÿ