Blue Devils win Defensive Battle with Braves
NORTH ADAMS, Mass — The Taconic girls' basketball team played tough, but the Braves couldn't muster enough offense up to upset host Drury, losing 33-22 at Bucky Bullett Gymnasium on Tuesday night.The Blue Devils (13-3) didn't allow Taconic (4-12) to score more than six points in a single quarter, taking control of the game with a 13-4 run in the second. The Braves had trailed by just one point coming out of the first quarter but found themselves down by 10 going into halftime. Drury extended its lead to 13 points after three quarters and closed out the win despite scoring its second lowest point total of the season.
"It was a defensive struggle for us tonight on Senior Night," Blue Devils head coach John Franzoni said. "Our full-court pressure helped us extend the lead in the second quarter against a determined Taconic team. It was a physical battle all night, but our defense was the key to winning the game. We also did a good job of attacking the basket to earn an edge at the free-throw line."
The hosts made 12 of 16 foul shots, while the Braves finished just 1 of 4 from the line. Junior point guard Danielle Racette scored a game-high 10 points and dished out four assists to lead Drury. She also did a great job on defense against Angela O'Neil, who netted a team-high 15 points the first time the two teams played this season. O'Neil still led Taconic in the rematch but this time, Racette held her to just six points, all of which came in the second half.
Junior forward Shannon Garvey added seven points and seven rebounds for the Devils, while senior guard Lyndsey DeGrenier came off the bench to score seven points and grab three boards.
"This game was a typical competitive Berkshire County contest that helps to prepare our teams for the tournament," Franzoni said.
Drury next plays Wahconah in the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament scheduled for Saturday. The Blue Devils have beat the Warriors twice so far this season, but it was only a two-point game the last time the two teams met last week. The game is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. and will be held at Pittsfield High School.