HAMBURG, NY -- The Redhawks used a big second half to run away from Hilbert and earn a 73-54 conference road win. La Roche improves to 3-0 in the AMCC and are just one of two unbeaten teams.
La Roche was unable to shake the opponent in the first half for the second straight game. The Redhawks outscored Hilbert 20-10 in the first quarter but inconsistent play let the Hawks get within three points at the half.
Hilbert outrebounded La Roche and shot 52% to the Redhawks' 39%. La Roche held the slim halftime team by forcing 14 turnovers and committing just four.
Coach Gissendanner rallied her squad at halftime just like she had against Pitt-Bradford. The Redhawks came out of the lockerroom on an 11-0 run and outscored Hilbert 22-5 in the third quarter. Gloria Schifino sparked the run with a three pointer while Darrian Johnson, Dalesza Reagan, Mackenzie O'Donnell and Sabrina McLin followed with buckets.
La Roche built their lead up to thirty points with less than three minutes left. Hilbert ended the game on a 10-0 run but the game had already been decided.
The key to the second half was La Roche's willingness to attack the boards and force turnovers. The Redhawks outrebounded Hilbert by fifteen and forced eighteen turnovers.
McLin scored a game-high 23 points and became just the third Redhawk to score 1500 points. She sits just 16 points shy of Chantelle Jennings for second place on the all-time points list.
The Redhawks return to action next Saturday when they host Medaille. The Mavericks are 0-3 in conference.