Although freshman Theresa Lisch led the women’s basketball team with 25 points against LaSalle University, the Billikens lost the match 75-66 in overtime on Feb. 25.
As this game against LaSalle completes the regular season, the Billikens will approach the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships with a 12-16 record overall and 4-10 in A-10 play.
Katie Paganelli, who posted 10 points and five rebounds for the night, started the Bills out solidly with a 3-pointer, putting them on top to start the game. With a long-range jump shot from Lisch and free throw from Amy Klotz, the Billikens went up 6-2 within the first three minutes.
The lead changed multiple times in the first half, but a basket by Amanda Kemezys gave SLU the lead with seven minutes to play in the first half. Despite an 8-2 LaSalle run, Paganelli drained a 3-pointer from beyond the arc to give the Billikens the lead.
The Explorers of LaSalle, though, answered with a three of their own. Lisch put SLU up 30-29 in the final minute, but La Salle scored just before intermission for a 31-30 advantage.
The second half started out slow, as both teams were unable to generate any offense. Although LaSalle scored on the first possession, Lisch and Paganelli responded with jump shots to reclaim the lead.
Neither team led by more than two in the second half, until Hennegan scored from long range to put the Bills up 40-37 with 11 minutes to play.
Within the last seven minutes, the score was tied on three different occasions, including the final score of 55-55. The game was then decided in overtime.
LaSalle started quickly in overtime, scoring the first five points. Baskets from Kemezys and Lisch kept them within range, but the Explorers hit all four field goal attempts and seven of eight free throws within the last two minutes to end the Billikens’ regular season.
The Billikens will be the No. 11 seed for the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships and will face No. 6 seed Richmond on March 2. The Bills will have the advantage going into the match, as they defeated the Spiders 78-70 on the road last Thursday.
