The #3 Knights Take Down #17 SUNY Niagara

After a tough loss the day before,   the 3rd ranked CCBC Essex Knights Women's Basketball Team bounced back Sunday with a win over the 17th ranked SUNY Niagara Thunderwolves by a score of 73-63. The win pushes their record to an impressive (18-1) (7-0) Gissel "Gigi" Gamble led the Knights in scoring, with 24 points and seven assists. Adela Cecunjanin contributed a double -double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds (seven offensive). Paige Smith also had a productive game as well, finishing one rebound shy of a double-double of her own. She finished with 21  points and nine rebounds.

The Knights bore a stifling defense in the first quarter, forcing nine turnovers and holding SUNY Niagara to only 11 points.  The defense of the Knights continued to be relentless in the second, only allowing SUNY Niagara to connect on 27.8% of their field goal attempts. Their defense, and also efforts by Gamble (10 pts) and Smith (13 pts) allowed the Knights to go into halftime with a nine-point lead.

In the second half, the Knights defense continued to build upon an impressive performance, only allowing SUNY Niagara to make 26.8% of their field goal attempts in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter saw both teams come to life offensively, with the highest scoring quarter of the game. The Thunderwolves attempted to rally back, but Adela Cecunjanin came alive, scoring nine of her 16 points, and grabbing five of her seven offensive rebounds, creating key second chance opportunities late in the game for the Knights.  Gamble also pitched in 10 points, going five for six from the free throw line, which allowed the Knights to hold their lead late into the game.

With a rematch on the road at Prince George's Community College on the horizon, the Knights are looking to further solidify themselves as one of the nations top teams. Tip-off is set for Friday, Feb 7th at 6:00 pm.