Bobcats Downed by Villa Maria After Fourth Quarter Surge

A showdown of two of the USCAA’s top-ranked teams saw Villa Maria top Bryant & Stratton College on Saturday by a 63-53 score.

The Bobcats, ranked eighth in the USCAA DI poll, hit the road to face the #1 ranked team in USCAA DII, a game that turned out to be a tightly fought defensive battle. Dorian Sharp led the way for the Bobcats once again, producing 24 points and 12 rebounds, but a fourth quarter surge by Villa put the game away.

Neither team managed to find much footing throughout the game as the Vikings grabbed an early lead only for the Bobcats to claw their way back. A narrow three point margin separated the two sides at the half with second-chance opportunities defining who held momentum at any given moment. 

Bryant & Stratton surged at the opening of the second half but Villa managed to stay within reach, ultimately tying the score at the end of the third quarter. It was in the fourth where Villa pulled away, outscoring the Bobcats by 10 and sealing their victory with a late run in the closing two minutes. 

Other key performers for the 8-4 Bobcats were  Kadijah Jones with 14 points and eight rebounds and Shanell Glover with nine points and seven rebounds. 

The Bobcats have one final game before the calendar turns to 2020, a home date with Bryant & Stratton – Ohio on Saturday, December 28.