PITTSBURGH, PA – The La Roche women's basketball team dropped the second part of a home and home on Tuesday night against St. Vincent. Darrian Johnson scored 29 points but the Redhawks fell 86-69.
The Redhawks struggled to find their shot in the first quarter hitting just 3 of 11 shots. They committed an uncharacteristic nine turnovers and St. Vincent entered the first stoppage with a 17-6 lead.
La Roche found their groove early in the second quarter. Johnson opened the quarter with a three pointer and Jenna Cole followed with a pair of free throws. St. Vincent continued to shoot the ball well but hustle and a smooth stroke from the foul line allowed the Redhawks to stay within striking distance. St. Vincent entered halftime with a 35-21 lead.
Johnson led the Redhawks with 7 first half points. Cole and Nia Thomas each pulled down four rebounds and Johnson had 2 steals. La Roche shot just 32% from the field but hit 8 of 10 free throws.
Johnson took over in the third quarter scoring 13 points and hitting 4 of 5 shots. La Roche hit 8 of 13 field goals and won the rebounding battle. The Redhawks however struggled from the free throw line and St. Vincent entered the fourth with a fourteen point lead.
Nia Thomas and Jazmyne Boyd opened the fourth with a pair of threes to cut the deficit down to ten. St. Vincent responded with a three point play and two fast break layups. Cole cut it back to twelve with a three from the top of the key.
St. Vincent took control down the stretch and earned the non-conference victory.
Johnson scored a game-high 29 points and hit 10 of 21 shots. Cole finished with 13 points and 7 rebounds and Boyd added 12 points on 4 of 6 shooting. Regan was terrific on the boards bringing down 7 rebounds including 6 on the offensive end.
The Redhawks will travel to Alfred University on Thursday. Start time is 7pm.