Basketball Wins Third in a Row, Clinches Playoff Berth
Rogers Records Double-Double and Lau Hits Three Three-Pointers in Win
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The St. Francis basketball team posted a 52-46 win over Sheldon, clinching a postseason berth and improving to 15-8 and 5-2 in Delta River League play.
“They really stepped up and met the challenge I put on them,” said Pitton. “We held them to three points in the third quarter and it allowed us to get a lead and bring it home.”
Susie Rogers had a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Kristen Lau hit three triples for nine points. Sophomore Lauren Craig scored 10 points with nine rebounds and five blocks. Sophomore Kyra Huffman added seven points and 12 rebounds.
The Troubadours and Huskies were tied at 12 after the first quarter. St. Francis built an eight-point lead early in the quarter behind back-to-back three-pointers by Lau.
“It felt good,” said Lau after the game. “It kept the tempo of the game up.”
Sheldon got back in the game with four three-pointers in the quarter, scoring 21 points in the quarter to take a 33-31 lead at the half.
Lau connected on her third three-pointer in the third and the Troubadours locked down Sheldon with a strong defensive effort. The Huskies were held to just three points in the quarter and 13 points in the second half.
“Coach told us a halftime we had to stop their three-pointers, box out and get the 50-50 balls which were really important,” said Lau. “We followed the rules on the board and it equaled a win.”
Rogers scored seven of her 15 points at the line as St. Francis built their lead to double digits at 52-40. The Huskies closed the game with a late run but fell short of a complete comeback as the Troubies closed out the win.
St. Francis takes on league leader Oak Ridge on Tuesday.
“Last time we were right with them but we had a dry spell,” said Lau. “I am really excited for Tuesday.”
The Junior Varsity unit won again Friday night behind three players in double figures. Julia Razo scored 13 points, while Emily Ainsley had 12 points and Bella Willard contributed 10 points in the 63-30 win. The freshmen team lost to Davis on a late basket 37-35 in a none-league matchup.
| ST. FRANCIS 52, SHELDON 46 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheldon | 12 | 21 | 3 | 10 | -46 |
| St. Francis | 12 | 19 | 12 | 9 | -52 |
S – Hair 16, Q. Harris 8, Cavali-Money 8, Kanae 6, Behron 4, Walker 2 A. Harris 2. SF – Rogers 15, Craig 10, Lau 9, Huffman 7, Ortiz 5, Bailey 2, Dow 2, Davenport 2.