Northeast Women’s Basketball Team Improves To 3-0 After 62-61 Victory Over Cloud County

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NORFOLK – The Northeast Community College women’s basketball improved to 3-0 following a narrow 62-61 win over Cloud County Community College here Tuesday.
With the Hawks leading 59-58 with 40 seconds left in the contest, Francesca Minali blocked a shot that led to a transition where Bianca McDonald found Brooke Bauer for a lay in with 30 seconds to go that gave Northeast a 61-58 lead. Maeve Kitantou was able to steal the ball and was fouled with three seconds left. She made one of two free throws to push the lead to 62-58. The Thunderbirds were able to get a shot off at the buzzer, but it wasn’t enough as Northeast was able to secure the win, 62-61.
“We found a way to get the ‘W,’ but it wasn’t easy,” said Matt Svehla, Hawks coach. He said both teams had their good moments and their lapses.
“We were extremely flat in the first quarter, but were much better in the second. We came out in the third quarter and did not defend Cloud very well and they were able to tie the game at 45 heading into the fourth quarter.”
Svehla says Kitantou’s steal and Minali’s block were keys in the win.
“We will take the win, but we need to play with more consistency and with better focus and energy.”
Raveen Murray led Northeast with 17 points. Sydney Koel finished with 13 points and eleven rebounds; Kitantou had eleven points; Hannah Riley, eight; Brooke Bauer, seven; and Minali, had six points.
Cloud County was led by Gabrielle Figgers’ 17 points.
Northeast will host the Hawks Classic Friday and Saturday in the Cox Activities Center on the Northeast campus in Norfolk. In the women’s games, the Hawks will take on Iowa Lakes Community College on Friday at 6 p.m., while Northeast faces Des Moines Area Community College on Saturday at 4 p.m. The Classic features men’s games as well.