Daytona State Women's Basketball Monumental Season Concludes
Daytona State Women's Basketball Monumental Season Concludes
March 15th, 2016
On November 3rd, the Lady Falcons suffered their first loss of the season in just their second game of the year. After falling to Tallahassee in November, Daytona State College won 27 games straight over a four month stint before dropping the first game of the FCSAA Tournament to Northwest Florida.
Despite their early departure from the FCSAA Tournament, the Falcons were rewarded for their exceptional regular and conference season play with an automatic bid to the NJCAA Tournament in Lubbock, TX. This would be the program's first trip to the big dance. With a 7th seed in the tournament, Daytona State received a bye in the opening round. They would soon find themselves matched up with the 23rd seed ASA who upset Cowley County in the opening round of play Monday night in overtime.
ASA had suffered a season ending injury to their star player, Cheridene Green, who was averaging just over 20 points per contest during regional tournament play last week. Despite the injury to Green, ASA rallied to defeat Cowley County overcoming a 19 point deficit on Monday and advanced to the second round to match up with Daytona State.
Tuesday night, ASA showed no signs of struggle despite Green's absence, as they took the floor against Daytona State College in the Falcon's first game of the tournament. ASA struck first and led the Falcons the entire first half. Daytona State College never let the game get away from them, and as they came out in the 3rd quarter they proved that they were not going to back down to ASA.
In the 4th quarter the Falcons tied the game and even took the lead for a short while. As the 4th quarter came to a close the game was tied at 78-78. Daytona State had possession as the final seconds of the contest ticked away. Jazlynd Rollins had a solid look from the corner as time terminated. The possible game winner for Rollins rattled in and out, leaving the game tied at the end of regulation, sending the Falcons into overtime against ASA.
As the Lady Falcons headed into overtime, ASA scored first gaining control of overtime, and never looking back. Daytona State found themselves down in overtime compromising shot selection and forced to foul ASA to control the clock. ASA would knock down key free throws extending the lead. As overtime concluded the Lady Falcons would fall to the impressive ASA ball club, 84-93.
Free throws and rebounding were key factors that determined the Falcon's fate Tuesday night against ASA. The Falcons were out rebounded 43-53 by ASA. Additionally, ASA recorded 26 points from the charity stripe. Despite the Falcons edging out ASA from the free throw line percentage wise, Daytona State would record just 13 points in free throws.
ASA would finish the night shooting 41% from the field, while Daytona State shot just 36%. The Falcons were led in scoring by sophomore guard, Rollins, with 22 points. Sophomores, Brittney Chambers and Stephanie Oramas would lend double digit scoring, with Chambers scoring 18 and Oramas adding 17 points. Oramas had the hot hand on the night, shooting 66% from the field for the Falcons.
ASA was led by Diandra Darosa with 26 points and Mary Cuevas with 18 points.
Despite the early departure from the FCSAA Tournament and NJCAA National Tournament, the Lady Falcons conclude a remarkable, unparalleled season for Daytona State College.