Early Drought Costs Gophers in Road Loss to WildCats

LYNCHBURG, Va. — After a strong start to the game, Goucher was unable to recover from an extended offensive draught in an 82-64 loss to Randolph this afternoon.

The Gophers (2-2) led 10-4 after the first five minutes of the opening half, but made only one field goal over the next 8:34. The WildCats (4-0) went on a 22-4 run over that stretch to take a double-digit which they would never relinquish.

Sharnell Huff (Bowie, Md./Bowie) led Goucher with a game-high 20 points, hitting four 3-pointers and 8 of 15 shots from the field overall. Today was the second time in the season's first four games that she has scored at least 20 points.

Olivia Nono (Silver Spring, Md./Montgomery Blair) added a career-high 14 points and five rebounds, while Amaka Ezeani (Silver Spring, Md./Paint Branch) chipped in 10 points and a career-high nine boards.

The Gophers trailed 43-27 at the intermission, and they would never get closer than 15 points during the second half. Nono scored 12 of her 14 points after the break.

The teams combined for 47 fouls in a physical contest, and each had 28 attempts from the free throw line. Goucher hit 16 of its attempts, including a 7 for 10 effort from Monique Welch (Reisterstown, Md./Franklin) at the line, while Randolph converted 18 of its free throws.

From the field, Randolph hit 42.4 percent of its shots compared to 39.3 percent for the Gophers. Korin Harris led the WildCats with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Goucher returns to action this upcoming Tuesday with a 7 p.m. home matchup against Cedar Crest. The Falcons are currently 1-2 this season.