Braves' Defense Fails in Loss to Monument

PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Now that the Taconic girls' basketball team has found its way on the offensive end, it's a shame that the Braves are starting to struggle on the defensive side of the ball. Taconic scored in the 40s for the second game in a row, but allowed 60-plus points as well to lose 63-48 to Monument Mountain in the Coaches vs. Cancer Showcase on Saturday. 

The Braves (1-10) received a monster game out of junior center Nyanna Slaughter, but still managed to drop their eighth game in a row. Slaughter came through with a game-high 22 points and 14 rebounds, but the hosts fell behind early, trailing 10-5 at the end of the first quarter. The Spartans (5-4) then exploded for 22 points in the second quarter to earn a 13-point lead at the break. 

Vanessa Troiana and Kayla Aberdale each drained a 3-pointer during Monument's second-quarter run. Troiano led the way for the Spartans with 15 points, while Aberdale was close behind with 14 points and four assists. 

Junior guard Angela O'Neil added 16 points for Taconic, which now has some time off before playing at Lenox on Monday, January 28.