CANTON, NY – Despite 25 points from senior guard
Magan Campbell (Buffalo, NY/Erie Community), the Villa Maria Lady Vikings could not overcome a late run by SUNY Canton as they dropped a 68-62 road contest inside the "Roos House" on Saturday afternoon.
In a game that saw 10 lead changes, the Canton Kangaroos ended the game on a 15-3 run, propelling them to the home victory. Canton entered the game receiving votes in the latest United States Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Division I Poll.
Junior guard
Jayvonna Kincannon (Buffalo, NY/Erie Community) got the scoring started for Villa, knocking down back-to-back triples from the left wing. Kincannon then found freshman
Shaquana Owens (Buffalo, NY/Tapestry) for the fast break finish to tie the game at eight early.
Campbell then knocked down one of her three triples to give Villa an 11-8 lead, but Canton responded with a quick 6-0 run to take a 14-11 lead. Campbell then threw a full-court pass that was converted by Kincannon to close the first quarter. Owens cashed in a triple to open the second quarter scoring and put Villa ahead 16-14.
The Lady Vikings (17-8) extended their lead to six, 22-16, before a 7-0 Kangaroo run put Canton (8-13) back ahead. The two teams traded baskets for the final five minutes of the first half, allowing Canton to take a 29-28 lead into halftime.
The Lady Vikings were able to quickly gain the lead in the early stages of the third quarter after Kincannon and Campbell combined to score the first seven points for Villa. Canton was able to battle back and gain a 40-37 advantage with 4:01 left in the third quarter after Caseylynn Fulton knocked down a pair of free throws. Campbell responded with the next four points for Villa. The Lady Vikings were able to take a 49-46 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Villa led 59-53 with 6:47 left after Kincannon connected on two free throws but Canton's hot shooting combined with Villa's stagnant offense led to the come-from-behind victory for the home team. Canton rattled off the next 11 points to give the game its final lead change. Canton's Brianna Sayer put home a triple, which proved to be the game-winning shot, with 2:58 left. Sayer led Canton with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
The Lady Vikings shot just 31.5 percent from the floor for the game and made 10 of their 30 long-range attempts. Villa attempted just eight free throws and made six, while the Kangaroos finished 14-of-16 from the charity stripe.
Campbell added six rebounds and three steals to her 25 points, while Kincannon finished with 21 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Owens scored 15 points and secured seven rebounds and dished out six assists.
The Lady Vikings, who stayed-put at number five in the latest USCAA Women's Division II poll released on Friday, wrap up their regular season on Tuesday evening at home when they are set for a 6 p.m. tip against Mercyhurst North East. Campbell, the lone Villa senior will be honored before the game. Following conclusion of Tuesday's game, Villa will await the possibility of receiving a bid into the National Tournament. Bids will be released on Monday, February 22.