The City College of New York women's basketball team 5-20 Overall, 3-10 CUNYAC) won what felt like a playoff game for them on Saturday afternoon, turning back the Cardinals of York College (9-15 Overall, 6-6 CUNYAC) by a score of 80-64 at the York College Gymnasium in Jamaica, NY. With the victory, the Beavers advance to the 2011 CUNYAC Women's Basketball Tournament, where the team will battle the No. 1 seeded Bearcats of Baruch College in the event, with game time to-be-determined. Following the victory, CCNY head coach Jackee Meadow gave her thoughts.
"I thought we played with a lot of heart, and I thought we played great," Meadow said. "This is extremely exciting for our team. We have been working so hard and it's very rewarding to see the efforts of these student-athletes result in a postseason appearance. We are certainly going to enjoy earning a berth, and we're all looking forward to Saturday.
The Beavers were able to clinch a playoff berth thanks in part to speedy point guard Donika Rexhepi's career afternoon, as she connected on 14 of her 22 shots and dropped in a game-high of 38 points to go along with seven rebounds in 39 minutes of action. She also hit on all seven of her free throw attempts and converted on three of her six attempts from downtown.
In addition, Simone Tharkur posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Syreeta Williams helped with 14 points and eight rebounds. Finally it was LaPortia Hackworth adding five points and nine rebounds in 22 minutes off of the bench.
Despite the loss for the Cardinals, five players scored in double figures, including Shadae Rice as she netted 15 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists, and Maimouna Dabo contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Shayna Smith finished with 10 points and six rebounds as well.
The Beavers connected on 52.5 percent of their shots on the afternoon compared to 32.9 percent for York College. CCNY snatched 48 rebounds and York College's 35. The Cardinals won the turnover battle, committing 12 miscues while City College had 16 turnovers.