Women?s Basketball Releases Complete 2008-09 Schedule

Women's Basketball 1/11/2008 12:00:00 AM Canisius College Athletics

Women's Basketball Rallies Past Fairfield

Box Score

A three-point play by Ellie Radke with 3.7 seconds remaining capped an eight-point comeback in the final 75 seconds for the Canisius College women's basketball team who defeated Fairfield 58-57 on Thursday afternoon in the Koessler Athletic Center. The Kid's Day attendance of 1,357 ranks as the biggest home crowd of the season for the Golden Griffins and as the third-largest in program history for games played in the Koessler Athletic Center.

Brittan? Russell filled out the stat sheet with games highs in points (18), rebounds (12), assists (six) and steals (six). Russell has tallied double-digit points in the last six games, matched her career-high in rebounds, recorded six assists for the third consecutive game and had at least six steals in a game for the third time this season.

Amanda Cavo had 15 points while Radke had eight points and five rebounds off the bench. Mere Mullins had six rebounds in 14 minutes as the Griffs outrebounded Fairfield 45-32, with 19 of those rebounds coming on the offensive glass.

“This game was an example of our team digging out a tough conference win,” Canisius coach Terry Zeh said. “On a day when our team didn't shoot very well, we went to the glass and our hard work paid off, especially in the final seconds.”

Canisius (7-8, 2-2 MAAC) trailed 57-50 after a layup by Megan Caskin with 1:54 remaining. After Caskin missed the free throw and couldn't finish the three-point play, the Griffs missed a 3-pointer, but JJ Williams grabbed the offensive rebound. Russell made a layup and was fouled with 1:13 left. Russell converted the three-point play to make it 57-53. Sabra Wrice missed a jumped with 50 seconds remaining, and the Griffs came down and got a jumper by Radke to make it 57-55 with 40 seconds left.

Wrice missed another 3-pointer, and Russell was fouled by Stephanie Geehan in a scramble for the ball along the sideline with 14 seconds remaining. Russell missed both free throws, but the Griffs got the ball under the hoop when the loose rebound was knocked out of bounds.

Cavo had her shot blocked by Caskin along the right baseline. Russell grabbed the loose ball and missed with six seconds remaining. Radke then corralled the offensive rebound, missed a shot and pulled down another offensive board. This time, Radke shot it off the glass, making the shot to tie the game and was fouled by Wrice. Radke made the free throw to give the Griffs the one-point lead.

After a timeout, Fairfield threw a pass to midcourt, which was tipped and rolled into the far corner. Williams grabbed the ball as the clock expired.

Wrice led Fairfield (10-5, 0-4) with 16 points while Geehan had 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Stags.

Canisius continues its homestand Saturday, when the Golden Griffins host Iona at the Koessler Athletic Center. Game time is set for 2 p.m.

Game Notes: Canisius extended its streak of games with a made 3-point field goal to 405 on a make by Cavo midway through the first half... Canisius has won eight of the last nine games between the schools with four of those wins coming by five points or fewer... The Griffs improve to 18-11 under Zeh in games decided by five points or fewer... The Griffs are now 6-3 all-time in MAAC games decided by one point... Canisius is now 5-0 this season when outrebounding its opponent... Russell also had 12 rebounds last season against Loyola Feb. 1, 2007. The 5-foot-5 guard is averaging 8.2 rebounds in the last five games... Canisius has won its last three games when trailing at the half.

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Players Mentioned

#12 Amanda Cavo: G; 5' 9"; Junior

#32 Mere Mullins: F; 5' 11"; Senior

#35 Ellie Radke: F; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#1 Brittan? Russell: G; 5' 5"; Sophomore

#31 JJ Williams: C; 6' 1"; Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

#12 Amanda Cavo
: 5' 9"; Junior
: G

#32 Mere Mullins
: 5' 11"; Senior
: F

#35 Ellie Radke
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: F

#1 Brittan? Russell
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: G

#31 JJ Williams
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Junior
: C