ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – Sophomore forward
Anna Ekerstedt Varberg, Sweden/Marks Gymnasieskola [Broward College]) scored a career-high 10 points to lead the seventh-seeded Rider University women's basketball team past No. 10 seed Monmouth, 44-41, in the first round of the 2021 MAAC Championship on Tuesday afternoon at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.
The Broncs (7-17) shook off a slow start and held off a late Hawks (2-16) to advance to the MAAC Championship Quarterfinals. Rider will face second-seeded Quinnipiac on Wednesday, March 10, at 2:30 pm.
Both defenses stole the show early. Rider found a little rhythm late in the second quarter as the Broncs hit each of their final three shots from the field to end the opening half on a 9-2 run. A three-pointer from
Maya Hyacienth (Nottingham, UK/City of London Academy) gave Rider a 20-15 edge at the break.
The strong defensive play continued in the third with both teams scoring 10 points apiece.
Midway through the fourth, Monmouth used an 8-0 run to take a 33-32 lead with 4:40 left in regulation. Down the stretch the two teams traded baskets and free throws.
With 37 seconds left in the game, Rider junior point guard
Amanda Mobley (Coopersburg, PA/Southern Lehigh) drove to the basket to give the Broncs the lead for good at 42-40. On the ensuing possession, Monmouth converted on one of two at the foul line and Rider would call a timeout to advance the ball.
Bronc senior
Daija Moses (Toronto, Ontario/Henry Street) capped the scoring the game with a pair of free throws with 20 seconds left. On the game's final possession, Monmouth missed a pair of game-tying three-point attempts as Rider escaped with the victory.
NOTES & QUOTES
"This game really came down to us sticking together. We looked like a team that hasn't played in 21 days. We were out of flow offensively, but we knew if we could hold strong with our defense that we'd put ourselves in a position to be successful."
– Rider Head Coach Lynn Milligan
"We did a great job of sticking together. It was perseverance. It wasn't pretty. Amanda had us in flow in the second half. Everybody did their part today."
– Milligan
"I thought we had an unbelievable game from Anna. She hit some big shot and made some key plays on the defensive end. We call her our lady. She is a sophomore, but she is the oldest player on our team. She is very mature and balanced. We preach when your number is called and your opportunity comes to be ready for it. Anna is in the gym as much as anybody. She does the extra work and when her number was called she stepped up today. She answered the bell and it was fantastic."
– Milligan
- The game was Rider's first since February 14.
- The Broncs have now won at least one game at the MAAC Championship five straight years.
- Rider has won seven straight games and 10 of the last 11 contests against Monmouth.
- The two teams combined for 40 turnovers.
BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- All 10 of Ekerstedt's points came in the second half. She hit 4-of-6 shots from the field. It was first career game scoring in double figures.
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Maya Hyacienth had a team-high 11 points. She knocked down 4-of-8 shots from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. Hyacienth pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds to notch her first career double-double.
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Daija Moses gave the Broncs a spark off the bench. She scored 10 points to go along with four rebounds and two steals.
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Amanda Mobley had six points, six assists and four steals.
