Missed Opportunities Haunt Goucher in 57-39 Setback

TOWSON, Md. — Goucher's offense had plenty of chances this evening against Drew, as the Gophers finished the contest with an 18-6 advantage in offensive rebounds.

Not enough of those extra opportunities, however, were converted into points, as Goucher shot just 29.8 percent from the field in a 57-39 loss to the Rangers.

Ryan Jackson had 18 points, while Courtney Stephens added 17 for Drew (5-1, 2-0 Landmark), which never trailed in the game. The Gophers (3-4, 0-2 Landmark), who have now lost four straight following a 3-0 start to the season, were led by 10 points and 12 rebounds from Olivia Nono (Silver Spring, Md./Montgomery Blair). The junior forward has three double-doubles in the season's first seven games.

Trailing 7-2 early on, back-to-back layups from India Perkins (Brentwood, Md./Bladensburg) and Briana Bull (Baltimore, Md./Owings Mills) cut the deficit down to one with 15:09 on the clock in the first half. The Rangers then went on an 8-0 run to create some separation, and by the end of the half they had extended their lead to 29-14.

Goucher had 11 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes, and Drew turned those giveaways into 11 points on the other end.

The Gophers twice got within 12 points in the second half, with the final occasion coming after a jumper from Bull with 4:52 remaining made it 45-33, but the Rangers were able to maintain their double-digit advantage throughout the frame.

Bull finished with a team-high 11 points off the bench, and the freshman guard also added seven rebounds and three of Goucher's five assists. Amaka Ezeani (Silver Spring, Md./Paint Branch) chipped in eight points and five boards in her season debut.

Drew has now won the last eight meetings between the two teams. The Gophers will look to get back on track at the Cruzin' Classic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Goucher will play two games in the tournament, beginning with a 4 p.m. tilt against Simpson on Wednesday, Dec. 17.