ATLANTA, GA (December 3, 2022)– The #8 nationally ranked Tufts University Jumbos Women's Basketball team suffered their first loss of the season to the Emory Eagles on Saturday afternoon by a score of 70-55.
The Jumbos entered the matchup on a hot streak to start the season, coming in with an unbeaten record of 5-0. Emory entered with a 6-1 record of their own, having only been beaten by Mary-Hardin Baylor in a four point game.
Both teams started the game off relatively slowly, as they were knotted at 12 to end the first quarter. However, the pace picked up a bit in the second quarter, as Sofia Gonzalez was able to come in and provide a spark for the Jumbos. As the buzzer sounded to end the half, the Jumbos were able to escape to the locker room with a 27-26 lead, thanks to an overturned field goal that was switched from a two point shot to a three. Reigning New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) player of the week Maggie Russell ended the half with 8 points and 6 rebounds to lead the Jumbos.
Unfortunately for the Jumbos, the Eagles came out storming to open up the second half. Erin Martin was able to hit a couple of threes early and set the pace for the Eagles in a strong second half performance. Morgan Laudick had 8 points and 2 rebounds in the quarter, as Emory outscored Tufts 19-12, setting themselves up with a six point lead heading into the fourth.
In the fourth quarter, Emory was able to run away with the game, opening up a comfortable lead over the Jumbos. Paige Gross got hot and carried over the dominance of the Eagles from the third quarter into the fourth. Emory outscored Tufts 25-16 in the final quarter of the game, securing their seventh win of the season and handing Tufts their first loss of the season.
The Eagles were led by guard Claire Brock, as she finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds and an assist in 34 minutes of play time. Paige Gross also contributed a clutch 14 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals off the bench, giving the Eagles an extra offensive burst in the game.
The Jumbos' leading scorer on the day was first year forward Sarah Crossett, as she put up 16 points and 5 boards in another great effort early on in her young career. Russell finished the day with a double double, posting 15 points and 10 rebounds in yet another solid performance for the Jumbos. Annika Decker also contributed 12 points, 4 rebounds and an assist on the day, providing more solid guard play for the Jumbos.
The Jumbos (5-1) will look to bounce back tomorrow, as they travel to Demorest, GA to take on Piedmont University (4-2) at 1 p.m. The Eagles look to stay hot and win their fourth in a row when they take on Oglethorpe on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
Written by Lucas Wlodarczyk, athletic communications intern.
