O’Donnell, Nelson Stand Out in Losses to SMOW, MBU

January 9, 2018Posted in: Athletics

The Illinois Tech Women’s Basketball team played host to St. Mary of the Woods College on January 3. Despite an outstanding game from Shannon O’Donnell and a great effort on the boards by Erin Nelson, Illinois Tech fell to the Pomeroys 90-58. On January 6 the team faced Maranatha Baptist University and was defeated 68-38.

How it Happened – SMOW

  • St. Mary of the Woods ran a high-pressure, high-volume system for the entirety of the game, subbing in a new wave of players every few minutes to keep up the intensity. Despite the pressure, the Scarlet Hawks were able to hang around early on.
  • The Pomeroys shot lights-out in the early going to build a lead, and SMOW led 28-16 after one. After Illinois Tech slumped in the second quarter, the Pomeroys took a 54-26 lead into halftime.
  • Illinois Tech played tough in the second half, as the visitors outscored the Hawks by just four (36-32).

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

  • O’Donnell was ultra-impressive, scoring 34 points (20 in the second half) on 12-of-23 shooting and 10-of-16 from the free throw line. She also pulled in 14 rebounds and had six assists.
  • Nelson dominated on the glass with 18 rebounds, 14 of which were offensive. She also scored eight points.

Stats to Know

  • O’Donnell’s 34 points are the most by a Scarlet Hawk since the program was reinstated.
  • Nelson’s 18 rebounds are the most in a game for Illinoi sTech since Lauren Capuando recorded 26 on February 10, 2014 (a 67-33 win over Mount Mary).

How it Happened – MBU

  • Maranatha shot well early, scoring a quick five points in the first minute. The visitors used 11 points from Kelsey Johnson (nine of which came on three-pointers) to take a 19-8 lead after one.
  • Illinois Tech’s intensity turned up in the second quarter, as O’Donnell brought some offense. She scored eight of the team’s 12 points and Illinois Tech trailed 32-20 at the break.
  • In the third quarter, Maranatha used the foul line to extend the lead. The Sabercats scored 20 points behind nine-of-12 free throw numbers.
  • The Scarlet Hawks struggled offensively down the stretch, leading to MBU’s 30-point victory margin.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

  • O’Donnell’s freshman season continues to get better and better. The Lemont, Illinois, native scored 26 points and also had eight rebounds and four steals.
  • Erin Efimoff narrowly missed a double-double with eight points and 11 rebounds.

Stats to Know

  • O’Donnell now has 60 points over the last two games and accounted for 68% of the team’s offense on January 6.
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