A competitive game full of lead changes and hustle plays down the stretch went to the Robinson Rams 37-36, on a last-second rebound and put back by senior forward Andrea McBride.
Early in the game Woodson was locked in on defense, not allowing a field goal in the first quarter. The Cavs accomplished this mostly by double-teaming in the post, but Robinson got into its offensive groove enough in the second to tie it up at the half. Both teams would grab small leads in the second half, but the score remained tied after three quarters at 27.
While it looked like the Cavs had all the momentum in the fourth, poise and rebounding allowed the Rams to snatch the victory. They were able to get the ball into the paint on their last possession, and after a few close shots and rebounds, the two points they needed fell with 1.2 seconds to play.
A clutch putback by Andrea McBride gives @RAMSBoosters the W over @Woodsonathletic 37-36. @novahoopsCom pic.twitter.com/IEwvbqckK6
— Max Nagle (@MaxWritesHoops) January 29, 2021
“It was just gut check time.” said Robinson Coach TJ Dade. “Rebounding is about desire. So going down the stretch, we were having a lot of success getting the ball inside, so we were stressing to be patient, either get the ball into the post, or attack inside.”
Robinson definitely has a lot of firepower inside with its trio of senior forwards in McBride, Veronica Bubak, and Tate Lewis. They combined for 22 boards on the night. Including the game-winning basket, McBride notched 14 points, two steals and an
assist.
With the win, the Rams (7-1, 8-3) stand solidly in second place in the Patriot District. They have a matchup with the first place West Springfield Spartans on Saturday, who handed them their only district loss on the season.
“I think that game could be a momentum game, actually, this was a momentum game.” said Dade when asked about the win going forward. “So we just gotta regroup and get a little payback to the Spartans and prepare for the tournament.”
The Cavaliers (4-4, 5-5) were led by senior G/F Anna Wiggins, who notched 15 points, six rebounds, an assist and a block. Wiggins did all the little things, from defending in the post, to taking charges, and bringing the ball up the floor. Senior G Eunice Yoon scored eight points and grabbed three boards.
They will look to finish the regular season on a positive note against Fairfax on Saturday.
–Max Nagle
@MaxWritesHoops