NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Junior
Paige Emborsky hit six three-pointers Wednesday night to lead the Wildcats against Stephen F. Austin, and despite an 82-59 loss to the regular season champions, still clinched a spot in the upcoming Hercules Tires Southland Conference Tournament. ACU (12-9, 5-7 SLC) battled hard in the first half, led early, and were within three points at halftime against SFA (21-2, 13-0 SLC), who has now won 15 straight games.
Southland Significance
Despite the loss, ACU got some help from games around the league. Incarnate Word defeated Houston Baptist and Sam Houston topped Texas A&M-Corpus Christi; because HBU and AMCC play each other on Saturday, the loser would not pass ACU in the standings. The Wildcats' 18 points are currently enough to get into the conference tournament, and now will fight for higher seeding with their game on Saturday to close the regular season.
Turning Point: Early third quarter
ACU trailed 36-33 at halftime, and Emborsky hit five triples in the half. However, SFA came out of the gate strong in the third quarter, and built a 12-point lead at the six-minute mark of the period. The Wildcats fought back, but SFA continued to put pressure on ACU and build the lead.
Key Plays
- 1Q 9:39 | It took no time for Emborsky to make her prescence felt. The junior buried a three in the corner to start the night, and the team settled down early and hit some shots.
- 1Q 8:20 | Emborsky hit a three in the opposite corner, setting the tone for her biggest night in a Wildcat uniform. ACU led 6-0 to start the game.
- 1Q 3:36 | Emborsky's third three of the quarter tied her season-high for the most makes from behind the arc in a game, and we still had over three quarters to go.
- 1Q 2:09 | The sharp shooter hit another one to put ACU in front 15-10.
- 2Q 7:00 | After the 'Cats got down 23-19,
Anna McLeod hit her first three of the game to answer and get ACU within one.
- 2Q 3:30 | ACU hit three consecutive mid-range jumpers; McLeod scored on a fade-away, Miller converted with contact, and Griswold did her signature mid-range jumper. ACU got back in the game, trailing 33-30.
- 2Q 1:40 | Emborsky then tied the game at 33 with her fifth three of the game.
Stat Pack
- ACU qualifies for the Southland Conference Tournament for the fourth straight season, each of the years the program has been eligible.
- Emborsky led the way with 18 points on six three's, both the most in any game in a Wildcat uniform for the New York native.
- Adams scored in double digits (14) for the first time in three games, and added a team-high seven rebounds.
- McLeod stayed consistent with another double-figure effort (10 pts), and also grabbed a team-best seven boards.
- ACU's eight three-pointers made are the most since their nine at Southeastern Lousiana.
Up Next
The Wildcats will close the regular season on Saturday against Incarnate Word in the Teague Center at 1 p.m. It will be Senior Day for the program, honoring the careers of
Anna McLeod,
Alyssa Adams,
Makayla Mabry, and
Josie Larson. It's all a part of a men's-women's doubleheader on ESPN+ and 102.7 The Bear.
