ASA defeats Monroe, moves on to nationals
A big run spanning the two halves lifts the Avengers to the win.
ROCHESTER - The ASA College Avengers punched a return ticket to the NJCAA Division I national tournament by defeating Monroe Community College 69-55 in the District C championship Saturday afternoon.
The Tribunes finish the season with a record of 25-4.
ASA was led by Brittany Jackson, who poured in a game-high 22 points to go along with nine rebounds. Erica Jurabe added 16 points and 15 rebounds, as the Avengers outworked the Tribunes 51-32 on the glass.
ASA jumped out quickly to take a 16-8 lead. But a layup from Rose Ayala and consecutive three's by Ayana Ratliff tied the game at 16 midway through the half. The Avengers then closed the first half on a 8-2 run to take a 33-25 lead into the locker room.
The Tribunes were cold coming out in the second half, and the result was a 15-5 ASA spurt that bumped the lead to 48-30 with just over 12 minutes to go. The lead grew to as much as 20 down the stretch, and Monroe brought it no closer than 14 the rest of the way.
Ratliff finished with a team-high 16 points to go along with seven assists for MCC. Rose Ayala had a strong contest with nine points, six blocks, and five rebounds. Bailey Hixson scored seven, and Dionne Coe and Tyra Jones had six apiece. Nubia Haynes chipped in with 10 rebounds.
Monroe was victimized by 6-for-30 shooting from beyond the arc and a 13-for-27 effort from the foul line. The Avengers converted 15-of-17 free throws.