CU Women's Basketball Preview - vs. RPI/Union (2/21-22)

By: February 19, 2020

Women's Basketball | 2/19/2020 8:00:00 AM

The 2019-20 season will come to a close this weekend for the Clarkson University Women's Basketball team, as the Golden Knights host Rensselaer and Union at Alumni Gymnasium.

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The Series vs. RPI: The Engineers used a 17-10 fourth quarter to pull away from the Knights in the December meeting for their 53rd win in 75 tries against Clarkson. However, the Knights have won four straight games in Potsdam against the Engineers.

The Series vs. Union: When Clarkson and Union meet, it seems like lids go over the rims. In the last four outings against the Dutchwomen, the Knights have averaged only 44.0 points per game. Union has not reached 60 points against Clarkson in eight straight games. The last meeting between the two teams illustrates the point, as Union edged the Knights 47-45 in December.

Key Stats for Clarkson (7-16, 3-13 Liberty League): The Golden Knights offense has struggled as of late, failing to get out of the 40s for three straight games. With no disrespect to the defenses that Clarkson has faced, much of that could be due to a depleted lineup that has forced the Knights into a limited rotation with no margin for error. Hannah Earl leads the team in scoring at 12.7 points per game while both Mariah Benavides and Emma Buonanno are averaging 8.9 points per contest, despite the latter being limited to 12 minutes of action this past weekend. Buonanno enjoyed a big game against Union the first time around, producing a double-double on 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Key Stats for RPI (14-9, 10-6 Liberty League): The Engineers have clinched a playoff spot, but their positioning is still up for grabs as they could hit third place with a sweep and some help. RPI is just 2-4 in its last six games, though the Engineers did put a halt to a losing streak with a pair of wins this past weekend. Celia Tomlinson has produced 14 double-doubles and averages 15.3 points, 11.4 rebounds and a league-leading 2.5 blocks per game. Her 11.4 rebounds per game is most impressive considering her season-high is 17, making for a more consistent output without the benefit of a big game. Sam Krumbhaar leads the conference in free throw percentage (87.1%) and steals per game (2.4 spg) while averaging 14.2 points per game. She has produced 19.8 points per contest over the last four outings.

Key Stats for Union (10-12, 7-9 Liberty League): The Dutchwomen are in seventh place in the Liberty League standings and even with a sweep might still need help to get into the playoffs. Union wins with defense, allowing 56.9 points per game (second in Liberty League) and forcing 17.8 turnovers per game. However, Union has trouble on offense, having topped 60 points in a conference game only four times in 16 games this year. Amber Raisner leads the team in scoring at 9.5 points per game and is the only Union player to surpass 20 points in a game this year, tossing in 24 against Skidmore. Elly Vaughan, Joana Santos and Laura Vinton are all averaging at least eight points per game.

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Players Mentioned

#30 Emma Buonanno: G; 5' 7"; Junior

#20 Hannah Earl: G/F; 5' 8"; Junior

#3 Mariah Benavides: G; 5' 1"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#30 Emma Buonanno
: 5' 7"; Junior
: G

#20 Hannah Earl
: 5' 8"; Junior
: G/F

#3 Mariah Benavides
: 5' 1"; Freshman
: G

Scoreboard

Players Mentioned

#30 Emma Buonanno

#20 Hannah Earl

#3 Mariah Benavides

Players Mentioned

#30 Emma Buonanno

#20 Hannah Earl

#3 Mariah Benavides