ALBANY, N.Y. -- All eight players who checked into the game scored a point for the Elmira College women's basketball team, but The Sage Colleges remained unbeaten in Empire 8 Conference play with a 67-51 win over the Soaring Eagles on Saturday.

Although the Soaring Eagles (2-11, 0-3 E8) never led, they remained well within reach of the Gators (7-7, 3-0 E8) until the fourth quarter. In the final period, Sage shot a remarkable 80.0% from the field (8-of-10). That helped the Gators turn a 57-49 advantage with 6:05 left in the fourth into an 18-point lead across the ensuing four-and-a-half minutes.

Before the late run by the Gators, EC had a more efficient offense. Through three quarters, the Soaring Eagles were shooting 35.4% (17-of-48) from the floor, as compared to 34.0% (16-of-47) by Sage. Elmira also finished the night with fewer turners and held a 13-to-7 advantage in points off of turnovers, but the difference proved to be on the glass and at the free-throw line. Sage hauled in 53 rebounds, 18 more than Elmira, and made 16 of its 30 tries from the charity stripe, whereas EC was only 10-of-20.

Despite the loss, both Lauren Franklin '20 and Mykenzie Malacusky '23 recorded double-digit points. Franklin led Elmira in points (13), rebounds (8), blocks (4), and steals (3) in a solid all-around performance. Malacusky netted 11 points, including a 5-for-6 effort from the line. Fellow rookie Taylor Johnson '23 fellow one point shy of double figures with nine.

News and Notes

• Elmira finished Saturday's contest with more blocks (6-to-2) and steals (6-to-3) while committing fewer turnovers (15-to-12).
• EC had more points scored off of turnovers (13-to-7) and second-chance possessions (11-to-6).
• Franklin (13) and Malacusky (11) each scored in double figures for the third time this year.
• Franklin's four blocks are a season-high for the do-to-it-all senior.
• Alyssa Waters '22 tied Franklin for the most assists on the team with four.
• Emily Breheny '20 collected seven rebounds, one shy of the team lead.

Up Next
Elmira's next game on Friday, January 17, is against the Highlanders from Houghton College and will be held inside Speidel Gymnasium at 7:30 p.m. It is a Gold Rush Game; stay tuned for more details on exclusive giveaways and prizes.