CAMDEN WBB COME UP SHORT IN COMEBACK BID, FALL TO GLOUCESTER IN R19 TOURNAMENT

Blackwood, NJ -- Lady Cougars fall to Gloucester in North Atlantic District/Region XIX Tournament

The season came to an end for #7 CCC WBB (13-12) on Tuesday evening, as the Lady Cougars fell to #2 Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester (19-6), 63-51, in the opening round of the North Atlantic District/Region 19 Tournament.

Camden battled throughout the contest but ultimately could not overcome a late surge by the Roadrunners. With four minutes remaining in regulation, the Lady Cougars had trimmed the gap to 51-44 and appeared poised to make a final push. However, Gloucester responded down the stretch, converting key possessions and capitalizing at the free-throw line to secure the victory.

The opening half was an intense affair, with back and forth action from the rival teams. Both sides we're establishing their approach and executing on both ends of the floor, looking to make their mark. Although Gloucester had a slim lead, Camden was undeterred, knocking down 2 three-point shots late in the 1Q to go into the second down just three, 12-15.

However, as the 2Q commenced, Gloucester came out the gate firing from long-range, converting two threes' early in the frame. While Camden tried to respond, their offense was seemingly stuck in gear and unable to produce. The Lady Cougars would end up giving up a double-digit run as the Roadrunners we're up to 18 points in the quarter with 2 minutes still remaining. They would go on to score 5 more points, bringing their total offensive output to 23 points for the quarter to the Lady Cougars 5. As a result of the rough stretch, the Lady Cougars went into halftime trailing 38-17.

Nevertheless, in the 3Q of play, CCC WBB was able to re-focus and get their offense jump started in the right direction. They started the quarter on an 11-2 run, trimming the deficit to just 12 points. Camden forced TO's, allowing them to get out in transition and produce in the open floor. At one point, the score was 30-40 with the Lady Cougars seizing all the momentum. They would go on to outscore Gloucester 15-8 in the quarter but were still trailing, 46-32 going into the final frame.

The 4Q once again started in Camden's favor as they went on quick 5-0 run, bringing the score to 46-37 at the 8:07 mark. Although undersized, they were battling on the boards and utilizing their speed advantage to make plays. At the four-minute mark, the Lady Cougars trimmed the deficit to just 7 points (51-44), the smallest it's been since the start of the game. Unfortunately, the Roadrunners would again produce their own scoring run, posting 12 points in the next few minutes to open their lead back to 13 points (62-49), essentially ending Camden's comeback bid.

Although Camden was able to outscore Gloucester in both quarters in the 2H, the 21-point deficit going into halftime proved to be too much to overcome. CCC WBB finishes the year at 13-12 overall and 9-10 in conference.

Congratulations to Sophomore's; Erica Paranzino, Brianna Kemble, Jamyra Green & Clara Pons de vall Ruiz on their careers. Camden County College thanks them for their service to the College and wish them all the best moving forward.

Photography: Christian Veletanga