MADISON, N.J. – The Drew University women's basketball team gave one of the top teams in Division III all it could handle, but a 14-2 run spanning both halves was too much to overcome as undefeated Scranton (18-0, 7-0 LC) defeated the Rangers 56-44 in Landmark Conference (LC) action Wednesday evening in Baldwin Gym. Sophomore guard Julia Ramos scored a game-high 15 points to lead Drew (10-7, 3-4 LC), which trailed by only two at the end of the first quarter and eight at the half.
 
How it Happened: The Rangers trailed just 14-12 at the end of the opening period versus the Royals, who entered the night ranked third by D3hoops.com and fourth by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Drew was still behind by only three after freshman guard Micela Genua converted a fastbreak lay-up with 3:09 on the first-half clock, but that's when Scranton embarked on its game-breaking surge. The visitors ended the half on a 7-2 spurt, then opened the third quarter on a 7-0 surge to make it a 36-21 game. The Royals upped their lead 20 late in the quarter but the Rangers dug in defensively and held Scranton to nine points in the fourth quarter. Drew pulled to within 12 just a minute into the period when Ramos knocked down a 3-pointer while getting fouled, drawing the crowd to its feet. But the Rangers were unable to get any closer than 12 over the remainder of the game.
 
Top Performers: In addition to her 15 points, Ramos handed out three assists and posted three steals. Frederick notched nine points and five rebounds while freshman forward Nashdah Noel had nine points and four boards. Senior guard Hailey Stine netted nine points while Genua contributed seven rebounds off the bench. Emily Sheehan led Scranton with 14 points on 4-of-5 3-point shooting while Makenzie Mason had 11 points and 13 rebounds.
 
Stat Sheet: The Rangers committed a season-low seven turnovers – the team's fewest since Feb. 10 of last year. Scranton shot 40.4 percent from the field, including 50.0 percent (9-18) from 3-point range. The Royals held a 39-29 rebounding advantage.
 
Next Up: Drew returns home on Saturday, when it takes on Juniata College in another Landmark Conference affair.