After trailing 32-28 at the half, TRC head coach Alex Wiggs lit a fire under his team at intermission. The squad promptly responded, going on a 15-4 run in the third quarter. Jordan played a huge role in the comeback, scoring several key jumpers. Amelia Corasaniti and Caitlin Lord were also key factors in the rally, as both players rebounded well and put the ball in the basket during the third quarter.
TRC found themselves ahead 48-42 at the conclusion of the third quarter.
"We were not at our best today, I will say that," Wiggs said. "The effort wasn't there, and I like that we got the win. But this isn't normally what we get out of our team."
MAC went on a small run to open the fourth quarter; however, the Lady Raiders responded with a surge of their own. Jordan hit a transition three, while Corasaniti banked in a layup to increase her team's advantage.
TRC ultimately held on to secure the 61-53 victory, improving their record to 17-3 on the season.
Jordan led the Lady Raiders in scoring with 15, while Lord finished with 11 points and nine rebounds. Corasaniti concluded the game with 11 points as well, while accruing eight rebounds.
Post player Kiera Neal finished with eight points, seven rebounds, and two assists. She agreed with Wiggs' message at halftime and was glad to see that her teammates responded by performing at a high level in the second half.
"He definitely got on us at halftime, and we were challenged to be better, at the level we know we can be, so that's what we did in that second half," Neal said. "We moved the ball much better, and the defensive effort was certainly better."
PJ Reutzel led MAC in scoring with 19 points, while teammate Mariah Dallas finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
"We have to come out with the same fire we played that second half with," Wiggs said. "Samyah bailed us out a few times, and we can't always put her in positions where she has to do that."
The Lady Raiders will next be in action at home on Wednesday evening against Crowder College.
Liaudwin Seaberry Jr. - Daily American Republic
