The women’s basketball team has now won four of its last five games following a 50-48 victory at Wagner last Saturday.
SFU split a pair of decisions last weekend. The two-point win at Wagner followed a 63-56 loss at LIU on Jan. 23.
Junior Natalie Johnson made a significant impact in both games, earning Northeast Conference Prime Performer honors for the second time this season.
Against LIU, the Robert Morris transfer came off the bench to score 13 points. She hit key baskets late in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to single digits several times.
The Red Flash started slowly against the Sharks before putting together a 15-5 run in the third quarter. The rally was led by freshman Ineivi Plata, who drained a pair of three-pointers.
In the two-point win over Wagner, Johnson scored a team-high 16 points. She scored the final four points for the Red Flash, including a clutch jumper and two free throws to clinch the win.
Johnson finished the game against the Seahawks seven-for-12 from the field. She also had four rebounds and three assists.
“It’s a blessing to know that my work is paying off,” said Johnson. “A huge shoutout to my teammates – I can’t do it alone.”
Johnson currently leads the Red Flash in scoring, averaging 8.9 points-per-game. She is shooting 49 percent from the floor and 47 percent (17-for-36) from three-point range.
“She’s been the spark we needed these past few games,” said sophomore Alary Bell.
The Red Flash defense also played an important role in last Saturday’s win at Wagner. Sophomore Yanessa Boyd and junior Julianna Gibson both made key stops in the final seconds. Their efforts preserved the victory and improved the team’s NEC record to 5-3 midway through the league schedule.
Head coach Keila Whittington’s team is currently on a 12-day break before resuming their season at LeMoyne on Feb. 6.
