Saturday, January 7
Koessler Athletic Center - Buffalo, NY
2:00 PM
Quinnipiac University
at
Canisius
QU Women's Basketball Finishes Buffalo Road Trip at Canisius on ESPN3
1/6/2017 1:19:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Bobcats Coming Off Thrilling Eight-Point Fourth Quarter Comeback Win over Niagara
Quinnipiac Bobcats (12-3, 5-0 MAAC) at
Canisius Golden Griffins (3-11, 2-3 MAAC)
Date: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 | 2:00 PM
Location: Koessler Athletic Center | Buffalo, N.Y.
All-Time Series vs. Canisius: Quinnipiac leads 7-0
Last Meeting: W, 80-68 (January 17, 2016 at CAN)
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WESTERN NEW YORK SWING
The top team in the MAAC was given quite the test on Thursday as the Quinnipiac women's basketball team trailed for more than 90 percent of their game at Niagara before pulling off an epic fourth quarter rally to take a 71-64 win over the Purple Eagles. Trailing by eight at the start of the fourth quarter, Quinnipiac outscored Niagara 29-14 over the final 10 minutes of play to take the come-from-behind victory. Fresh off the thrilling victory, Quinnipiac concludes its annual Western New York road swing on Saturday afternoon (2 PM tip-off) against Canisius in a game that can be seen on ESPN3 and the Watch ESPN app.
SCOUTING THE GOLDEN GRIFFINS
ALL-TIME AGAINST CANISIUS
VOTERS TAKING NOTICE
The Quinnipiac women's basketball team has certainly caught the attention of votes as the Bobcats earned a program record No. 2 ranking in the College Insider Mid-Major Poll. Quinnipiac's 11-3 record (4-0 MAAC) garners the program's best ranking ever in the national mid-major poll, besting the previous high mark of No. 4 from earlier this season (Nov. 25). Quinnipiac reenters the Top 5 for the fifth time in 2016-17, a feat the Bobcats had never before accomplished prior to the start of this season (high mark of No. 6 coming into 2016-17). A week after receiving the No. 6 ranking, the Bobcats' four-spot improvement signals the largest markup of any team in the Top 25 poll. Quinnipiac's 701 total points accumulated in the weekly vote is also a program record, easily eclipsing the previous high of 645 back on Nov. 25. After earning the No. 13 ranking in the preseason mid-major poll, Quinnipiac has earned a spot in the Top 10 through all eight weeks of the 2016-17 season.
BIG MOVERS IN THE MAAC
Since joining the MAAC in 2013-14, Quinnipiac has reeled off a record of 63-11 (.851) in all games against MAAC opponents and 56-9 (.862) in regular season MAAC games, both records that currently lead all teams in the conference. The Bobcats surpassed longtime conference power Marist last season who owns a mark of 56-17 (.767) against conference foes over the last three seasons and stand 50-15 (.769) in regular season MAAC play.
HOME LOVIN
The TD Bank Sports Center, home of the Quinnipiac Bobcats, has long been one of the most difficult arenas to play at in the country. Since the 2012-13 season, Quinnipiac owns a record of 56-7 (.889) in games played at home. In just the last three seasons (since 2014-15), Quinnipiac owns a mark of 31-3 (.912). That mark easily ranks as the best in the MAAC while it also places them with the 16th-best home win percentage in the nation over the last three seasons. The Bobcats' 14-0 mark at home in 2014-15 made them one of just 14 teams in the nation to finish with an undefeated home record.
NOTHING GOOD DOWNTOWN? NO WORRIES
Typically one of the strongest three-point shooting teams in the MAAC, Quinnipiac struggled mightily in their 71-64 win over Niagara (1/5) as the Bobcats finished just 2-for-23 (8.7 percent) from the three-point line for the game. That single-game total of two three-point field goal makes marks the fewest three-pointers made by the Bobcats in a winning effort since finishing just 1-for-11 in a 71-59 win at Rider back on Jan. 3, 2014 (102 games ago). On a percentage basis, the last time Quinnipiac shot worse than 8.7 percent from three in a win was all the way back on Jan. 7, 2012 when the Bobcats finished just 1-for-12 (8.3 percent) in a 59-43 victory over St. Francis Brooklyn.
HOW BOUT THAT COMEBACK THOUGH
Trailing by eight to start the fourth quarter, Quinnipiac stormed back with a 29-14 run in the final 10 minutes of play to claim a 71-64 road win over Niagara (1/5). Significant on many levels, Quinnipiac's eight-point deficit is the largest fourth quarter deficit overcome since the move to quarters over halves prior to the start of the 2015-16 season. The largest deficit overcome prior to the eight-point comeback was a six-point margin overcome in a 62-61 home win over Iona back on Feb. 12, 2016.
PAULA POWERING THROUGH THE MAAC
The opening of conference play has marked the beginning of Paula Strautmane's dominance this season as the sophomore is averaging 10.4 points (48.9 FG%), 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.2 steals in just 17.6 minutes over five league games. Her production in the conference has been a big key to success as she has compiled four of her seven double digit scoring games on the season in MAAC play. Strautmane has also done a much better job controlling her foul trouble as she averaged 3.7 fouls per game in 10 non-conference games but has lowered that average to just 2.6 fouls per game in five conference games.
LEADER OF THE PACK
Aryn McClure's season high 15-point effort against Saint Peter's (1/2) marked her third straight double digit scoring game while she added four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals in just 19 minutes. Playing in a system designed to feature 10+ players on a game-by-game basis, McClure's all-around production is beginning to stand out among the rest as she is posting 11.4 PPG (50 FG%), 6.4 RPG, 2.8 APG and 2.4 SPG in 22.4 MPG through the last five games combined. Those totals either lead the team or rank second in all five statistical categories over the four-game span.
POINTS FOR HER ARE A SHEWAN
Sarah Shewan is beginning to find her niche on the offensive end as she has tallied a new season high in two of the last five games. Her recent uptick began with a 19-point effort against No. 25/15 Oregon State (12/20) in the Play4Kay Shootout where she shot 7-of-13 overall and 3-for-3 from three-point range. Just one game removed from the breakout performance, Shewan exploded for a season high 20 points (6-8 FG, 8-9 FT) at Rider (12/30). All of this is coming directly after a three-game span wherein Shewan posted just three points. Over the first 10 games of the season, Shewan averaged 4.4 points (26.2 FG%) per game but has since averaged 10.8 PPG (42.9 FG%) in the last five contests.
MARTUCCI MAKING HER MARK
Adily Martucci continues to produce in a breakout redshirt senior season as she came through with 10 points (4-11 FG) in 30 minutes against Niagara (1/5). Martucci's team-leading ninth double-digit outing of the season continues a season-long trend that has the guard producing career highs across the board in terms of field goal percentage (45.1), three-point field goal percentage (36.5), free throw percentage (90.9), steals (1.7) and points (10.9). She is the lone Bobcat averaging double figures while her 45.1 FG% ranks 14th overall in the MAAC and fifth among guards.
FABBRI FINDING HER WAY
Coming off a breakthrough sophomore season wherein she averaged 6.3 PPG on 36.4 3FG%, Carly Fabbri struggled with her shooting in the early going of 2016-17 as she contributed 2.6 PPG while shooting just 17.4 percent (4-23 3FG) from long range through the first 10 games of the new season. Fabbri has since broke through averaging 5.8 PPG on a much-improved 58.3 percent (7-12 3FG) shooting from long range in the last five games. In that span she tallied a season high 12 points (4-6 3FG) against Long Beach State and followed with eight (2-2 3FG) points at Rider. With just four three-point makes through the opening 10 games, Fabbri has since made seven over the last five games alone and had at least one make from three-point range in three straight prior to Saint Peter's (1/2).
WHO'S GONNA GO OFF THIS GAME?
Quinnipiac has long preached team depth as one of its biggest strengths and the 2016-17 season is certainly no different as seven players are averaging at least six points per game. No other team in the MAAC has that many as Marist is the second-closest with six. That depth has shown through on a consistent basis as the Bobcats have seen eight different players post a single-game team-leading scoring total on the season. Another key note is the Bobcats lead the MAAC in scoring offense (70.7) have the fewest 10+ PPG scorers in the conference as Adily Martucci is the lone Quinnipiac player averaging double figures in points.
ALL-AROUND ARYN
Struggling to find her shot for the large part of non-conference play, Aryn McClure is starting to find her shot as she is averaging 11.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.8 APG and 2.4 SPG in 22.4 MPG over the last five contests. McClure's 15-point effort against Saint Peter's was her sixth double digit scoring output of the season and her third over a four-game span. Even with the scoring trouble early in the season, McClure's all-around impact cannot be understated as she leads the team and sits tied for fifth in the MAAC in rebounding (7.1). She also ranks second on the team in assists (39) while she sits atop the team in steals (29) and blocks (23). McClure is the only player in the conference to lead her respective team in rebounding, steals and blocks.
JOHNSON JOINING THE FRAY
Brittany Johnson was a go-to scorer for the Bobcats as she pumped in 13 points (5-7 FG) in a 71-64 victory over Niagara (1/5). This effort comes five games removed from a career and game high 16 points (6-10 FG, 2-3 3FG) to go along with six rebounds and a season high three steals in an 82-59 win at Hartford (12/10). Johnson's 13-point effort marked her fifth double digit scoring output of the season. Now in her third season, Johnson's scoring is a key indicator to the Bobcats' success as Quinnipiac owns a mark of 8-1 in games in which she hits double figures in scoring. Her scoring has also improved significantly this season as she has five 10+ point outings through 15 games in 2016-17 compared to just four double digit games through 53 contests in her freshman and sophomore seasons.
BIG NIGHT FOR SHEWAN
Sarah Shewan had herself a night against No. 25/15 Oregon State as she came up with 19 points, including 11 in the first quarter, as she accounted for nearly one-third of the Bobcats' total 60 points scored on the evening. For Shewan, the 19-point effort signaled her second double digit outing of the season while her 3-of-3 shooting from downtown gives her a new single-game career best for makes from three-point range. In her previous three games, Shewan had recorded just three points combined while she also came in with just two makes from behind the arc all season prior to finishing with three makes in her 20-minute scoring barrage.
BIG GAME PERFORMER
Adily Martucci continues to enjoy a breakout redshirt senior season for the Bobcats as she put together another solid outing against No. 25/15 Oregon State, tallying 12 points (5-12 FG) in 22 minutes while playing great defensively against All-American candidate Sydney Wiese. Martucci has shown a tendency to play her best against the best competition as she averaged a team-leading 13.3 points per game while shooting 43.8 percent (14-32 FG) in the three games the Bobcats played against high-major foes (Temple, Michigan State, Oregon State) this season. She went for eight points against the Owls, a career high 20-point night against the Spartans and most-recently 12 against the Beavers. For the season, Martucci leads the team with seven double digit point performances.
TONS OF TOOLS IN HER ARSENAL
Aryn McClure has been an all-around force this season as she owns averages of 8.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks in 23.0 minutes per game. Out of the 11 schools in the MAAC, McClure is the only player in the league to lead her team in minutes (345), rebounds (106), steals (29) and blocks (23). She is coming off an outing against Niagara where she filled up the box score with nine points, two rebounds, one block and one steal in 17 minutes.
SHE GOT GAME
Jen Fay continues to dominate on the offensive end for the Bobcats as she tallied a game high 12 points (5-9 FG) in a 82-47 win over Saint Peter's. After scoring 10+ points just once in her freshman season, Fay has notched six double digit outings for the Bobcats. In those six games, Fay is averaging 14.7 PPG while shooting a blistering 59.6 percent (34-57 FG) overall, 40.0 percent (10-25 3FG) from behind the arc and 90.9 percent (10-11 FT) from the charity stripe.
TOP SPOT IN THE MAAC
Through 15 games this season, Quinnipiac holds the lead in 10 different statistical categories while the Bobcats are ranked no worse than third out of 11 MAAC teams in 14 out of 21 major team statistics. Quinnipiac leads the MAAC in scoring offense (70.7), scoring defense (60.0), scoring margin (+10.7), field goal percentage defense (36.7), three-point field goal percentage defense (26.5), blocked shots (4.5), assists (17.1), steals (12.5), turnover margin (+6.13) and assist/turnover ratio (1.06).
FRESHMAN FITS RIGHT IN
Given a chance at more playing time thanks to injuries in the normal Gold Rush rotation, freshman Vanessa Udoji has responded with solid outings in the six games in which she plays at least 10 minutes. Starting with a season high 16 points (4-7 FG, 2-5 3FG, 6-6 FT) and seven rebounds at Saint Peter's (12/1), Udoji followed that up with 13 points (6-9 FG) and five steals against Siena (12/6). A recent outing saw her play a season-best 26 minutes while contributing eight points (3-4 FG) and three steals against Saint Peter's (1/2). In the six games where Udoji has played at least 10 minutes the rookie is averaging 7.8 PPG (47.2 FG%, 87.5 FT%), 3.5 RPG and 2.0 SPG in 17.3 MPG.
TURNING THE PAIGE
Another rookie deserving of praise for making the most of her opportunity is Paige Warfel as the freshman forward has excelled in her two games with more than 10 minutes played this season. With injuries in the consistent Gold Rush rotation, Warfel was given the chance to play major minutes in two games and she responded with 11 points (3-7 FG, 5-7 FT), seven rebounds and three steals in 19 minutes at Saint Peter's (12/1). She came back and tallied nine points (9-10 FT) with three rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes against the Peacocks at home (1/2). In those two games of significant minutes, Warfel averaged 10.0 PPG (37.5 FG%, 91.7 FT%), 5.0 RPG (all offensive) and 2.5 SPG in 19.5 MPG. For the season, Warfel has grabbed 21 total rebounds, 161 of which (76.2 percent) have come on the offensive end.
POINTS ALL AROUND
Five Bobcats – Vanessa Udoji 16, Adily Martucci 13, Paige Warfel 11, Jen Fay 10 and Paula Strautmane 10 – hit double figures in the box score in a dominating 84-51 road win over Saint Peter's. This marked the first time since a road win over Rider back on Feb. 26, 2015 (44 games ago) that five Bobcats finished with at least 10 points in the same game.
SHE'S A THORN-TON IN THEIR SIDE
Edel Thornton posted one of the best games of her young career in an 84-51 road win at Saint Peter's as she tallied five points to go along with her seven assists against no turnovers in 17 minutes. Thornton's seven-assist outing is good enough for a career high as well as the most assists for any Bobcat in a game this season. In fact, Thornton dished out the most assists in a single-game without a turnover since the program's all-time assist leader Gillian Abshire posted 11 assists and no turnovers in a home win over Iona on Feb. 9, 2015 (50 games ago).
HAVE A DAY JEN FAY
Temple's hot shooting spoiled what was the best game of redshirt sophomore Jen Fay's young career as she finished with a career and game high 26 points on 10-of-13 shooting, 3-of-5 from three and 3-for-3 at the free throw line. Fay added six rebounds and two steals in just 25 minutes of action as she easily surpassed her previous career-best total of 11. Her 26 points also represents the highest single-game point total by a Bobcat since Samantha Guastella went for 28 in a home win over Siena on Dec. 5, 2014 (66 games ago).
STREAK BUSTED
Quinnipiac has enjoyed a great deal of success over the past three seasons when building a first half lead. After starting 2016-17 with a mark of 2-0 when owning a halftime lead, the Bobcats recently saw one of their most impressive streaks in program history come to an end in a 71-68 loss at Temple. Quinnipiac's three-point loss signaled the first time the Bobcats had lost a game in which they held a halftime lead since the 2014 MAAC Championship game against Marist. The undefeated streak, which lasted over the course of three seasons, came to an end at 45 straight wins for the Bobcats when holding a halftime lead. Quinnipiac went undefeated in both 2014-15 (24-0) and 2015-16 (19-0) and for the first two games of 2016-17 before suffering the defeat. They now stand with a mark of 51-1 (.981) since the start of 2014-15 in games in which the Bobcats lead at the half.
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT
One of the most telling statistical trends all season for the Bobcats has been in the turnover department as Quinnipiac owns a +92 advantage (+6.1 per game; 20th in the nation) in turnover margin. The Bobcats have turned the ball over just 242 times while forcing the opposition into 334 turnovers (22.3 per game) which ranks 14th in the nation. Just four of the Bobcats' 15 opponents this season have committed less than 20 turnovers in a single-game. The pressure-packed team defensive approach has translated directly into points as the Bobcats have outscored their 15 opponents 339-214 (+125) in points-off-turnovers for a per-game average of 22.6 compared to 14.3 for the opposition.
THAT 70+ SHOW
Since the 2007-08 season, Quinnipiac is 125-15 (.892) in games wherein the Bobcats score 70 or more points, including a 13-1 mark in 2015-16 and 48-2 (.960) combined since 2014-15. During 2012-13 (18-0) and 2010-11 (8-0), the Bobcats rolled to undefeated records in each respective season when reaching the scoring plateau.
Quinnipiac's Record in Games Scoring 70+ Points Since 2007-08
Season Record
2016-17 8-0
2015-16 13-1
2014-15 28-1
2013-14 14-6
2012-13 18-0
2011-12 9-3
2010-11 8-0
2009-10 5-2
2008-09 11-1
2007-08 11-1
Total (10 Seasons) 125-15 (.892)
BOY CAN THE BOBCATS PROTECT THE BALL
Even after the graduation of the program's all-time assists leader Gillian Abshire in 2015, Quinnipiac has prolonged their supreme proficiency with the ball. The Bobcats predicate smart passes and protecting the ball on offense and the stats certainly reflect that trend as Quinnipiac has produced a conference-leading assist/turnover ratio in four of the last five seasons while ranking Top 50 in the nation three times. Through 15 games in 2016-17, the pattern is already showing through as the Bobcats lead the MAAC and rank 65th in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (1.06).
RETURN OF THE GOLD RUSH
Injuries forced Quinnipiac out of their rotation but now back at full strength, Quinnipiac has utilized their "Gold Rush" subbing strategy to the fullest extent. In this approach first developed in the team's 30-3 season in 2012-13, Quinnipiac chooses to sub five players in-and-out of the game at a time throughout entire 40-minute contests. Since making the move back to the traditional approach, Quinnipiac is averaging 71.6 PPG while shooting 39.9 percent, dishing out 17.4 assists per game and totaling 13.4 steals per contest. Of the 10 consistent "Gold Rush" players, only one is averaging more than 22 MPG (Aryn McClure 22.3 MPG) while seven Bobcats are averaging at least 5.0 PPG. On the defensive end, Quinnipiac is holding opponents to just 60.3 PPG, 36.8 percent shooting, 27.8 percent from deep and just 140 assists to 292 turnovers for a miniscule 0.48 assist/turnover ratio.
BIG MAAC AWARD
Aryn McClure started the season taking home the league's first MAAC Player of the Week honor of 2016-17 as well as the first of her career. She also took home College Sports Madness' MAAC Player of the Week award, sweeping the week in what was a masterful performance from McClure over the 2-0 week. McClure started with her fifth career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists and a career high five blocks in the win over FGCU. She followed that up with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks in the comeback win over Dayton, netting 11 of her 12 points in the second half.
GOOD POINT
Quinnipiac went for a season high 91 points in a road win over Rider (12/30) that included season-bests in field goals made (31), field goal percentage (53.4) and free throws made (24). The 91-point night is tied for the eighth-most points scored in a single-game since Quinnipiac joined the NCAA Div. I ranks (1998-99) while it also marks the first time the Bobcats have gone over 90 points in a game this season as the previous season-high was in a 84-51 win at Saint Peter's (12/1). In the last four seasons (since 2013-14), Quinnipiac has scored 90+ points eight times, in the previous 15 seasons the Bobcats scored 90+ points just three times since joining Div. I.
I'LL TAKE A MCCLURE-Y WITH THAT
Finishing with her first double-double of the season at Rider (12/30), McClure stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points (5-11 FG) and 11 rebounds to go along with four assists and four steals in 27 minutes. McClure notched the first double-double for a Bobcat on the season and the fifth of her career. Eight of McClure's 14 points came in the fourth quarter including a pair of buckets early in the frame to fight off a pesky Rider squad threatening to reclaim the lead.
PLAY4KAY RECAP
Quinnipiac closed its run in the inaugural Play4Kay Shootout with a third place finish and 2-1 record playing against one of the most talented in-season tournament fields the Bobcats have ever seen. In a field that included two nationally-ranked teams (Oregon State, South Florida) as well as high-major Oklahoma State and several consistent mid-major powers (UNLV, New Mexico State, Long Beach State, Santa Clara), Quinnipiac managed two thrilling victories and a closely played loss to No. 25/15 Oregon State. The Bobcats began the tournament with a 49-46 victory over preseason WAC favorite New Mexico State. In the second round, Quinnipiac trailed the nationally-ranked Beavers by just six points at the start of the fourth quarter before ultimately falling, 75-60. The third place game was an epic back-and-forth duel as Quinnipiac pulled out the 63-60 victory over Long Beach State, an opponent who had defeated nationally-ranked South Florida in the first round. Adily Martucci earned All-Tournament honors after leading the Bobcats with 26 points across the three-game tournament.
THE RAREST OF FEATS
In a 49-46 win over New Mexico State to open the Play4Kay Shootout, Quinnipiac accomplished a feat seen before just once in the program's all-time history. Scoring just 49 points and defeating the Aggies by three, for just the second time in program history and first in the Div. I era (since 1998-99), the Bobcats won a game in which they scored less than 50 points. Incredibly, the Bobcats' last victory coming with less than 50 points scored came in the program's first-ever game, a 48-34 win over Hartford back on Jan. 27, 1975 (1,117 games ago).
IN THEIR DEFENSE
Quinnipiac's stellar defensive play carried the Bobcats in a 49-46 win over New Mexico State in the Play4Kay Shootout. The 46 points scored for the Aggies is the lowest total for a Bobcat opponent since allowing Fairfield to score 43 back on Jan. 15, 2015 (60 games ago). Turnovers loomed large as New Mexico State was forced into 28 while dishing out just four assists (0.14 assist/turnover ratio). New Mexico State came in leading the WAC in assist/turnover ratio (0.96) and hadn't coughed the ball up that many times since committing 31 turnovers on Nov. 19, 2015.
FORCING THE ISSUE
The Bobcat defense pitched a stellar defensive outing against Siena as the Saints were forced into 34 turnovers while Quinnipiac came up with 20 steals in the winning effort. The 34 forced turnovers for Quinnipiac are the second-most by a Bobcat opponent in a single-game in the Bobcats' Div. I program history (since 1998-99) – Quinnipiac forced Manhattan into 35 turnovers last season on Dec. 6, 2015.
WHAT A WIN!
Trailing 17 points with 14:30 remaining, the Bobcats gutted out the largest comeback in the program's Division I history as Quinnipiac came-from-behind to defeat fellow mid-major power Dayton, 63-60, in Ohio on Sunday, Nov. 13. The 17-point Quinnipiac comeback sets a new Div. I record, one better than a 16-point margin overcome in a 68-61 overtime win over Robert Morris back on Feb. 19, 2000.
TURNAROUND FOR THE AGES
Playing in front of a ravenous home fanbase of nearly 2,000 strong cheering for a Dayton team just two seasons removed from a run into the 2015 Elite Eight, the Bobcats were all but out of it trailing 46-29 with 4:30 left in the third quarter. After shooting a paltry 11-for-41 (26.8 percent) overall up to the 4:30 mark of the third quarter, Quinnipiac was nothing short of incredible for the final 14:30 of play. Led by the senior tandem of Morgan Manz and Adily Martucci, the Bobcats finished 13-of-26 (50 percent) in what amounted to a 20-point swing (34-14 run) to end the game.
RESUME BOOSTER
Quinnipiac opened 2016-17 with two of their most impressive wins in program history. Starting with a 66-56 win over perennial mid-major power Florida Gulf Coast, the Bobcats' 63-60 road win over Dayton comes against a Flyer team that had won six consecutive Atlantic-10 Championships from 2010-15. Between the Bobcats' first two opponents, Quinnipiac defeated a pair of teams that have combined for 453 wins (FGCU: 246-52; Dayton: 207-82), 50.3 wins per season (FGCU: 27.3; Dayton: 23), 77.1 winning percentage, 10 conference titles and five NCAA Tournament victories in the last nine seasons (since 2007-08).
MISSION COMPLETE
After a pair of thrilling meetings in the two seasons prior, the Bobcats finally broke through against Florida Gulf Coast as Quinnipiac dominated defensively in a 66-56 season-opening win at home over the fellow mid-major power. In a matchup pitting two programs ranked in the College Insider Mid-Major Poll, then-No. 13 Quinnipiac put on a defensive clinic in holding then-No. 7 FGCU to just 20-of-61 shooting from the floor and 12 percent (3-25 3FG) from three. Quinnipiac's defensive outing from the three-point line is commendable considering FGCU ranked sixth in the nation with 9.3 made three-pointers per game in 2015-16.
THE 2015-16 REGULAR SEASON
Quinnipiac finished 22-7 overall and 17-3 in league play to earn the 2015-16 MAAC Regular Season Championship and the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. Quinnipiac clinched its second straight MAAC Regular Season title with a win over Iona in a winner-take-all regular season finale. The regular season title was the Bobcats' third in the four years dating back to the 2012-13 campaign where Quinnipiac was crowned the NEC Regular Season Champions. The Bobcats became just the second MAAC team, joining Marist in 2004-05, to start their conference schedule with three losses and win the remainder of their games to take home the MAAC Regular Season title outright. Quinnipiac entered the MAAC Tournament winners of 17 straight games which was the sixth-longest streak in the nation.
HIGH-POWERED OFFENSIVE ATTACK
Quinnipiac's coaching staff has long preached an up-tempo offensive system and the stats certainly reflect its success as the Bobcats have led their respective conference in scoring offense and assists in four of the last five seasons. Starting in the final two years of the Northeast Conference, Quinnipiac averaged an NEC-leading 67.9 points per game in 2011-12 and 70.5 PPG in 2012-13. That success carried over since joining the MAAC as the Bobcats ranked second in the league at 73.4 PPG in 2013-14 before leading the way again in 2014-15 with a league-record 78.5 PPG as well as 67.5 PPG in 2015-16. Over the last five seasons, Quinnipiac's cumulative scoring average is 71.6 PPG while the team dishes out 16.6 assists per game across the 168-game span.
Canisius Golden Griffins (3-11, 2-3 MAAC)
Date: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 | 2:00 PM
Location: Koessler Athletic Center | Buffalo, N.Y.
All-Time Series vs. Canisius: Quinnipiac leads 7-0
Last Meeting: W, 80-68 (January 17, 2016 at CAN)
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WESTERN NEW YORK SWING
The top team in the MAAC was given quite the test on Thursday as the Quinnipiac women's basketball team trailed for more than 90 percent of their game at Niagara before pulling off an epic fourth quarter rally to take a 71-64 win over the Purple Eagles. Trailing by eight at the start of the fourth quarter, Quinnipiac outscored Niagara 29-14 over the final 10 minutes of play to take the come-from-behind victory. Fresh off the thrilling victory, Quinnipiac concludes its annual Western New York road swing on Saturday afternoon (2 PM tip-off) against Canisius in a game that can be seen on ESPN3 and the Watch ESPN app.
SCOUTING THE GOLDEN GRIFFINS
- Canisius (3-11, 2-3 MAAC) struggled mightily in the non-conference finishing with a mark of 1-8 in non-league games this season
- Since the start of MAAC play, Canisius has righted the ship as the Golden Griffins have scored wins over Monmouth and Manhattan while they suffered defeats to three of the top teams in the league in Rider, Iona and Marist
- Standing just 1-6 at home this season, Canisius is desperate to take advantage of their home floor and start to turn their season around on Saturday
- On the offensive side of the ball, Canisius has been one of the most efficient teams in the MAAC as the Golden Griffins rank second in the league in field goal percentage (42.0)
- The three-point shot has also been a strength on this Canisius team as well as they come in ranked fifth in the MAAC in three-point percentage (31.6)
- In MAAC-only games, Canisius has been productive all over the floor coming in leading the conference in field goal percentage (48.9) and third in three-point percentage (37.2)
- One of the biggest weaknesses on this year's squad has been on the defensive end as Canisius is ranked ninth scoring defense (70.4), ninth in field goal percentage defense (41.5) and eighth in three-point percentage defense (34.3)
- Rebounding has also been a major weakness as the Golden Griffins are last in the MAAC in rebounds per game (31.9) and rebounding margin (-7.2)
- Three-point shooting depth is a key on this team as five players come in with at least 14 makes from beyond the arc this season while all shoot at least 30 percent from deep
- Sara Hinriksdottir is in the midst of a breakthrough season for Canisius as she leads the team and ranks fifth in the MAAC in scoring (15.0)
- Hinriksdottir attacks the rim consistently and has the ability to step out and hit the three-point shot as evidenced by her three-point percentage (30.4)
- Lauren D'Hont is a productive player as the senior is averaging 10.8 points on 45.3 percent shooting, adding 4.7 rebounds and nearly three assists per game
- Margret Halfdanardottir is the most efficient player on the team as she comes in averaging 9.2 points (51.5 FG%, 37.5 3FG%), 2.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game
- Her field goal percentage leads the team despite her playing the point guard position
- Halfdanardottir (3.0) and Tamara Miskovic (3.2) both come in ranking Top 10 in the MAAC in assists per game
ALL-TIME AGAINST CANISIUS
- Quinnipiac has never lost to the Golden Griffins in seven all-time meetings
- Both meetings last season were relatively close as the Bobcats won 63-54 at home and 80-68 on the road against the Golden Griffins
- Aryn McClure (14.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.5 BPG) dominated the Golden Griffins twice last season while Paula Strautmane (13.0 PPG, 52.6 FG%, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 APG) chipped in a pair of productive outings
- McClure went for 10 points and 15 rebounds in the meeting at home while she came back with an impressive 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in 30 minutes as she dominated the matchup on the road
- The two sides met once in the MAAC Tournament as the Bobcats scored a 72-61 victory in the 2014 MAAC Quarterfinals held in Springfield, Mass.
- In the 2014-15 season that saw the Bobcats win 31 games, Quinnipiac had their fair share of difficulty with Canisius as the Golden Griffins came closer than any team did to knocking off the Bobcats on their home floor
- Quinnipiac needed a last-second buzzer-beating three from Jasmine Martin to send the game into overtime before ultimately defeating the Golden Griffins, 88-85, in a thrilling game that saw Canisius shoot a blistering 72 percent (18-25 FG) from the floor in the second half
VOTERS TAKING NOTICE
The Quinnipiac women's basketball team has certainly caught the attention of votes as the Bobcats earned a program record No. 2 ranking in the College Insider Mid-Major Poll. Quinnipiac's 11-3 record (4-0 MAAC) garners the program's best ranking ever in the national mid-major poll, besting the previous high mark of No. 4 from earlier this season (Nov. 25). Quinnipiac reenters the Top 5 for the fifth time in 2016-17, a feat the Bobcats had never before accomplished prior to the start of this season (high mark of No. 6 coming into 2016-17). A week after receiving the No. 6 ranking, the Bobcats' four-spot improvement signals the largest markup of any team in the Top 25 poll. Quinnipiac's 701 total points accumulated in the weekly vote is also a program record, easily eclipsing the previous high of 645 back on Nov. 25. After earning the No. 13 ranking in the preseason mid-major poll, Quinnipiac has earned a spot in the Top 10 through all eight weeks of the 2016-17 season.
BIG MOVERS IN THE MAAC
Since joining the MAAC in 2013-14, Quinnipiac has reeled off a record of 63-11 (.851) in all games against MAAC opponents and 56-9 (.862) in regular season MAAC games, both records that currently lead all teams in the conference. The Bobcats surpassed longtime conference power Marist last season who owns a mark of 56-17 (.767) against conference foes over the last three seasons and stand 50-15 (.769) in regular season MAAC play.
HOME LOVIN
The TD Bank Sports Center, home of the Quinnipiac Bobcats, has long been one of the most difficult arenas to play at in the country. Since the 2012-13 season, Quinnipiac owns a record of 56-7 (.889) in games played at home. In just the last three seasons (since 2014-15), Quinnipiac owns a mark of 31-3 (.912). That mark easily ranks as the best in the MAAC while it also places them with the 16th-best home win percentage in the nation over the last three seasons. The Bobcats' 14-0 mark at home in 2014-15 made them one of just 14 teams in the nation to finish with an undefeated home record.
NOTHING GOOD DOWNTOWN? NO WORRIES
Typically one of the strongest three-point shooting teams in the MAAC, Quinnipiac struggled mightily in their 71-64 win over Niagara (1/5) as the Bobcats finished just 2-for-23 (8.7 percent) from the three-point line for the game. That single-game total of two three-point field goal makes marks the fewest three-pointers made by the Bobcats in a winning effort since finishing just 1-for-11 in a 71-59 win at Rider back on Jan. 3, 2014 (102 games ago). On a percentage basis, the last time Quinnipiac shot worse than 8.7 percent from three in a win was all the way back on Jan. 7, 2012 when the Bobcats finished just 1-for-12 (8.3 percent) in a 59-43 victory over St. Francis Brooklyn.
HOW BOUT THAT COMEBACK THOUGH
Trailing by eight to start the fourth quarter, Quinnipiac stormed back with a 29-14 run in the final 10 minutes of play to claim a 71-64 road win over Niagara (1/5). Significant on many levels, Quinnipiac's eight-point deficit is the largest fourth quarter deficit overcome since the move to quarters over halves prior to the start of the 2015-16 season. The largest deficit overcome prior to the eight-point comeback was a six-point margin overcome in a 62-61 home win over Iona back on Feb. 12, 2016.
PAULA POWERING THROUGH THE MAAC
The opening of conference play has marked the beginning of Paula Strautmane's dominance this season as the sophomore is averaging 10.4 points (48.9 FG%), 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.2 steals in just 17.6 minutes over five league games. Her production in the conference has been a big key to success as she has compiled four of her seven double digit scoring games on the season in MAAC play. Strautmane has also done a much better job controlling her foul trouble as she averaged 3.7 fouls per game in 10 non-conference games but has lowered that average to just 2.6 fouls per game in five conference games.
LEADER OF THE PACK
Aryn McClure's season high 15-point effort against Saint Peter's (1/2) marked her third straight double digit scoring game while she added four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals in just 19 minutes. Playing in a system designed to feature 10+ players on a game-by-game basis, McClure's all-around production is beginning to stand out among the rest as she is posting 11.4 PPG (50 FG%), 6.4 RPG, 2.8 APG and 2.4 SPG in 22.4 MPG through the last five games combined. Those totals either lead the team or rank second in all five statistical categories over the four-game span.
POINTS FOR HER ARE A SHEWAN
Sarah Shewan is beginning to find her niche on the offensive end as she has tallied a new season high in two of the last five games. Her recent uptick began with a 19-point effort against No. 25/15 Oregon State (12/20) in the Play4Kay Shootout where she shot 7-of-13 overall and 3-for-3 from three-point range. Just one game removed from the breakout performance, Shewan exploded for a season high 20 points (6-8 FG, 8-9 FT) at Rider (12/30). All of this is coming directly after a three-game span wherein Shewan posted just three points. Over the first 10 games of the season, Shewan averaged 4.4 points (26.2 FG%) per game but has since averaged 10.8 PPG (42.9 FG%) in the last five contests.
MARTUCCI MAKING HER MARK
Adily Martucci continues to produce in a breakout redshirt senior season as she came through with 10 points (4-11 FG) in 30 minutes against Niagara (1/5). Martucci's team-leading ninth double-digit outing of the season continues a season-long trend that has the guard producing career highs across the board in terms of field goal percentage (45.1), three-point field goal percentage (36.5), free throw percentage (90.9), steals (1.7) and points (10.9). She is the lone Bobcat averaging double figures while her 45.1 FG% ranks 14th overall in the MAAC and fifth among guards.
FABBRI FINDING HER WAY
Coming off a breakthrough sophomore season wherein she averaged 6.3 PPG on 36.4 3FG%, Carly Fabbri struggled with her shooting in the early going of 2016-17 as she contributed 2.6 PPG while shooting just 17.4 percent (4-23 3FG) from long range through the first 10 games of the new season. Fabbri has since broke through averaging 5.8 PPG on a much-improved 58.3 percent (7-12 3FG) shooting from long range in the last five games. In that span she tallied a season high 12 points (4-6 3FG) against Long Beach State and followed with eight (2-2 3FG) points at Rider. With just four three-point makes through the opening 10 games, Fabbri has since made seven over the last five games alone and had at least one make from three-point range in three straight prior to Saint Peter's (1/2).
WHO'S GONNA GO OFF THIS GAME?
Quinnipiac has long preached team depth as one of its biggest strengths and the 2016-17 season is certainly no different as seven players are averaging at least six points per game. No other team in the MAAC has that many as Marist is the second-closest with six. That depth has shown through on a consistent basis as the Bobcats have seen eight different players post a single-game team-leading scoring total on the season. Another key note is the Bobcats lead the MAAC in scoring offense (70.7) have the fewest 10+ PPG scorers in the conference as Adily Martucci is the lone Quinnipiac player averaging double figures in points.
ALL-AROUND ARYN
Struggling to find her shot for the large part of non-conference play, Aryn McClure is starting to find her shot as she is averaging 11.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.8 APG and 2.4 SPG in 22.4 MPG over the last five contests. McClure's 15-point effort against Saint Peter's was her sixth double digit scoring output of the season and her third over a four-game span. Even with the scoring trouble early in the season, McClure's all-around impact cannot be understated as she leads the team and sits tied for fifth in the MAAC in rebounding (7.1). She also ranks second on the team in assists (39) while she sits atop the team in steals (29) and blocks (23). McClure is the only player in the conference to lead her respective team in rebounding, steals and blocks.
JOHNSON JOINING THE FRAY
Brittany Johnson was a go-to scorer for the Bobcats as she pumped in 13 points (5-7 FG) in a 71-64 victory over Niagara (1/5). This effort comes five games removed from a career and game high 16 points (6-10 FG, 2-3 3FG) to go along with six rebounds and a season high three steals in an 82-59 win at Hartford (12/10). Johnson's 13-point effort marked her fifth double digit scoring output of the season. Now in her third season, Johnson's scoring is a key indicator to the Bobcats' success as Quinnipiac owns a mark of 8-1 in games in which she hits double figures in scoring. Her scoring has also improved significantly this season as she has five 10+ point outings through 15 games in 2016-17 compared to just four double digit games through 53 contests in her freshman and sophomore seasons.
BIG NIGHT FOR SHEWAN
Sarah Shewan had herself a night against No. 25/15 Oregon State as she came up with 19 points, including 11 in the first quarter, as she accounted for nearly one-third of the Bobcats' total 60 points scored on the evening. For Shewan, the 19-point effort signaled her second double digit outing of the season while her 3-of-3 shooting from downtown gives her a new single-game career best for makes from three-point range. In her previous three games, Shewan had recorded just three points combined while she also came in with just two makes from behind the arc all season prior to finishing with three makes in her 20-minute scoring barrage.
BIG GAME PERFORMER
Adily Martucci continues to enjoy a breakout redshirt senior season for the Bobcats as she put together another solid outing against No. 25/15 Oregon State, tallying 12 points (5-12 FG) in 22 minutes while playing great defensively against All-American candidate Sydney Wiese. Martucci has shown a tendency to play her best against the best competition as she averaged a team-leading 13.3 points per game while shooting 43.8 percent (14-32 FG) in the three games the Bobcats played against high-major foes (Temple, Michigan State, Oregon State) this season. She went for eight points against the Owls, a career high 20-point night against the Spartans and most-recently 12 against the Beavers. For the season, Martucci leads the team with seven double digit point performances.
TONS OF TOOLS IN HER ARSENAL
Aryn McClure has been an all-around force this season as she owns averages of 8.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks in 23.0 minutes per game. Out of the 11 schools in the MAAC, McClure is the only player in the league to lead her team in minutes (345), rebounds (106), steals (29) and blocks (23). She is coming off an outing against Niagara where she filled up the box score with nine points, two rebounds, one block and one steal in 17 minutes.
SHE GOT GAME
Jen Fay continues to dominate on the offensive end for the Bobcats as she tallied a game high 12 points (5-9 FG) in a 82-47 win over Saint Peter's. After scoring 10+ points just once in her freshman season, Fay has notched six double digit outings for the Bobcats. In those six games, Fay is averaging 14.7 PPG while shooting a blistering 59.6 percent (34-57 FG) overall, 40.0 percent (10-25 3FG) from behind the arc and 90.9 percent (10-11 FT) from the charity stripe.
TOP SPOT IN THE MAAC
Through 15 games this season, Quinnipiac holds the lead in 10 different statistical categories while the Bobcats are ranked no worse than third out of 11 MAAC teams in 14 out of 21 major team statistics. Quinnipiac leads the MAAC in scoring offense (70.7), scoring defense (60.0), scoring margin (+10.7), field goal percentage defense (36.7), three-point field goal percentage defense (26.5), blocked shots (4.5), assists (17.1), steals (12.5), turnover margin (+6.13) and assist/turnover ratio (1.06).
FRESHMAN FITS RIGHT IN
Given a chance at more playing time thanks to injuries in the normal Gold Rush rotation, freshman Vanessa Udoji has responded with solid outings in the six games in which she plays at least 10 minutes. Starting with a season high 16 points (4-7 FG, 2-5 3FG, 6-6 FT) and seven rebounds at Saint Peter's (12/1), Udoji followed that up with 13 points (6-9 FG) and five steals against Siena (12/6). A recent outing saw her play a season-best 26 minutes while contributing eight points (3-4 FG) and three steals against Saint Peter's (1/2). In the six games where Udoji has played at least 10 minutes the rookie is averaging 7.8 PPG (47.2 FG%, 87.5 FT%), 3.5 RPG and 2.0 SPG in 17.3 MPG.
TURNING THE PAIGE
Another rookie deserving of praise for making the most of her opportunity is Paige Warfel as the freshman forward has excelled in her two games with more than 10 minutes played this season. With injuries in the consistent Gold Rush rotation, Warfel was given the chance to play major minutes in two games and she responded with 11 points (3-7 FG, 5-7 FT), seven rebounds and three steals in 19 minutes at Saint Peter's (12/1). She came back and tallied nine points (9-10 FT) with three rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes against the Peacocks at home (1/2). In those two games of significant minutes, Warfel averaged 10.0 PPG (37.5 FG%, 91.7 FT%), 5.0 RPG (all offensive) and 2.5 SPG in 19.5 MPG. For the season, Warfel has grabbed 21 total rebounds, 161 of which (76.2 percent) have come on the offensive end.
POINTS ALL AROUND
Five Bobcats – Vanessa Udoji 16, Adily Martucci 13, Paige Warfel 11, Jen Fay 10 and Paula Strautmane 10 – hit double figures in the box score in a dominating 84-51 road win over Saint Peter's. This marked the first time since a road win over Rider back on Feb. 26, 2015 (44 games ago) that five Bobcats finished with at least 10 points in the same game.
SHE'S A THORN-TON IN THEIR SIDE
Edel Thornton posted one of the best games of her young career in an 84-51 road win at Saint Peter's as she tallied five points to go along with her seven assists against no turnovers in 17 minutes. Thornton's seven-assist outing is good enough for a career high as well as the most assists for any Bobcat in a game this season. In fact, Thornton dished out the most assists in a single-game without a turnover since the program's all-time assist leader Gillian Abshire posted 11 assists and no turnovers in a home win over Iona on Feb. 9, 2015 (50 games ago).
HAVE A DAY JEN FAY
Temple's hot shooting spoiled what was the best game of redshirt sophomore Jen Fay's young career as she finished with a career and game high 26 points on 10-of-13 shooting, 3-of-5 from three and 3-for-3 at the free throw line. Fay added six rebounds and two steals in just 25 minutes of action as she easily surpassed her previous career-best total of 11. Her 26 points also represents the highest single-game point total by a Bobcat since Samantha Guastella went for 28 in a home win over Siena on Dec. 5, 2014 (66 games ago).
STREAK BUSTED
Quinnipiac has enjoyed a great deal of success over the past three seasons when building a first half lead. After starting 2016-17 with a mark of 2-0 when owning a halftime lead, the Bobcats recently saw one of their most impressive streaks in program history come to an end in a 71-68 loss at Temple. Quinnipiac's three-point loss signaled the first time the Bobcats had lost a game in which they held a halftime lead since the 2014 MAAC Championship game against Marist. The undefeated streak, which lasted over the course of three seasons, came to an end at 45 straight wins for the Bobcats when holding a halftime lead. Quinnipiac went undefeated in both 2014-15 (24-0) and 2015-16 (19-0) and for the first two games of 2016-17 before suffering the defeat. They now stand with a mark of 51-1 (.981) since the start of 2014-15 in games in which the Bobcats lead at the half.
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT
One of the most telling statistical trends all season for the Bobcats has been in the turnover department as Quinnipiac owns a +92 advantage (+6.1 per game; 20th in the nation) in turnover margin. The Bobcats have turned the ball over just 242 times while forcing the opposition into 334 turnovers (22.3 per game) which ranks 14th in the nation. Just four of the Bobcats' 15 opponents this season have committed less than 20 turnovers in a single-game. The pressure-packed team defensive approach has translated directly into points as the Bobcats have outscored their 15 opponents 339-214 (+125) in points-off-turnovers for a per-game average of 22.6 compared to 14.3 for the opposition.
THAT 70+ SHOW
Since the 2007-08 season, Quinnipiac is 125-15 (.892) in games wherein the Bobcats score 70 or more points, including a 13-1 mark in 2015-16 and 48-2 (.960) combined since 2014-15. During 2012-13 (18-0) and 2010-11 (8-0), the Bobcats rolled to undefeated records in each respective season when reaching the scoring plateau.
Quinnipiac's Record in Games Scoring 70+ Points Since 2007-08
Season Record
2016-17 8-0
2015-16 13-1
2014-15 28-1
2013-14 14-6
2012-13 18-0
2011-12 9-3
2010-11 8-0
2009-10 5-2
2008-09 11-1
2007-08 11-1
Total (10 Seasons) 125-15 (.892)
BOY CAN THE BOBCATS PROTECT THE BALL
Even after the graduation of the program's all-time assists leader Gillian Abshire in 2015, Quinnipiac has prolonged their supreme proficiency with the ball. The Bobcats predicate smart passes and protecting the ball on offense and the stats certainly reflect that trend as Quinnipiac has produced a conference-leading assist/turnover ratio in four of the last five seasons while ranking Top 50 in the nation three times. Through 15 games in 2016-17, the pattern is already showing through as the Bobcats lead the MAAC and rank 65th in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (1.06).
| Assist/Turnover Ratio Last Five Seasons | |||||||||
| Season | Games | W-L | Ast | APG | TO | TPG | A/TO | NCAA Rank | Conf Rank |
| 2012-13 | 33 | 30-3 | 557 | 16.9 | 477 | 14.5 | 1.17 | 10th | 1st (NEC) |
| 2013-14 | 34 | 21-13 | 554 | 16.3 | 446 | 13.1 | 1.24 | 20th | 2nd (MAAC) |
| 2014-15 | 35 | 31-4 | 685 | 19.6 | 465 | 13.3 | 1.47 | 5th | 1st (MAAC) |
| 2015-16 | 34 | 25-9 | 523 | 15.4 | 507 | 14.9 | 1.03 | 51st | 2nd (MAAC) |
| 2016-17 | 15 | 12-3 | 257 | 17.1 | 242 | 16.1 | 1.06 | 65th | 1st (MAAC) |
| Total | 151 | 119-32 | 2576 | 17.1 | 2137 | 14.1 | 1.21 | ||
RETURN OF THE GOLD RUSH
Injuries forced Quinnipiac out of their rotation but now back at full strength, Quinnipiac has utilized their "Gold Rush" subbing strategy to the fullest extent. In this approach first developed in the team's 30-3 season in 2012-13, Quinnipiac chooses to sub five players in-and-out of the game at a time throughout entire 40-minute contests. Since making the move back to the traditional approach, Quinnipiac is averaging 71.6 PPG while shooting 39.9 percent, dishing out 17.4 assists per game and totaling 13.4 steals per contest. Of the 10 consistent "Gold Rush" players, only one is averaging more than 22 MPG (Aryn McClure 22.3 MPG) while seven Bobcats are averaging at least 5.0 PPG. On the defensive end, Quinnipiac is holding opponents to just 60.3 PPG, 36.8 percent shooting, 27.8 percent from deep and just 140 assists to 292 turnovers for a miniscule 0.48 assist/turnover ratio.
BIG MAAC AWARD
Aryn McClure started the season taking home the league's first MAAC Player of the Week honor of 2016-17 as well as the first of her career. She also took home College Sports Madness' MAAC Player of the Week award, sweeping the week in what was a masterful performance from McClure over the 2-0 week. McClure started with her fifth career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists and a career high five blocks in the win over FGCU. She followed that up with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks in the comeback win over Dayton, netting 11 of her 12 points in the second half.
GOOD POINT
Quinnipiac went for a season high 91 points in a road win over Rider (12/30) that included season-bests in field goals made (31), field goal percentage (53.4) and free throws made (24). The 91-point night is tied for the eighth-most points scored in a single-game since Quinnipiac joined the NCAA Div. I ranks (1998-99) while it also marks the first time the Bobcats have gone over 90 points in a game this season as the previous season-high was in a 84-51 win at Saint Peter's (12/1). In the last four seasons (since 2013-14), Quinnipiac has scored 90+ points eight times, in the previous 15 seasons the Bobcats scored 90+ points just three times since joining Div. I.
I'LL TAKE A MCCLURE-Y WITH THAT
Finishing with her first double-double of the season at Rider (12/30), McClure stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points (5-11 FG) and 11 rebounds to go along with four assists and four steals in 27 minutes. McClure notched the first double-double for a Bobcat on the season and the fifth of her career. Eight of McClure's 14 points came in the fourth quarter including a pair of buckets early in the frame to fight off a pesky Rider squad threatening to reclaim the lead.
PLAY4KAY RECAP
Quinnipiac closed its run in the inaugural Play4Kay Shootout with a third place finish and 2-1 record playing against one of the most talented in-season tournament fields the Bobcats have ever seen. In a field that included two nationally-ranked teams (Oregon State, South Florida) as well as high-major Oklahoma State and several consistent mid-major powers (UNLV, New Mexico State, Long Beach State, Santa Clara), Quinnipiac managed two thrilling victories and a closely played loss to No. 25/15 Oregon State. The Bobcats began the tournament with a 49-46 victory over preseason WAC favorite New Mexico State. In the second round, Quinnipiac trailed the nationally-ranked Beavers by just six points at the start of the fourth quarter before ultimately falling, 75-60. The third place game was an epic back-and-forth duel as Quinnipiac pulled out the 63-60 victory over Long Beach State, an opponent who had defeated nationally-ranked South Florida in the first round. Adily Martucci earned All-Tournament honors after leading the Bobcats with 26 points across the three-game tournament.
THE RAREST OF FEATS
In a 49-46 win over New Mexico State to open the Play4Kay Shootout, Quinnipiac accomplished a feat seen before just once in the program's all-time history. Scoring just 49 points and defeating the Aggies by three, for just the second time in program history and first in the Div. I era (since 1998-99), the Bobcats won a game in which they scored less than 50 points. Incredibly, the Bobcats' last victory coming with less than 50 points scored came in the program's first-ever game, a 48-34 win over Hartford back on Jan. 27, 1975 (1,117 games ago).
IN THEIR DEFENSE
Quinnipiac's stellar defensive play carried the Bobcats in a 49-46 win over New Mexico State in the Play4Kay Shootout. The 46 points scored for the Aggies is the lowest total for a Bobcat opponent since allowing Fairfield to score 43 back on Jan. 15, 2015 (60 games ago). Turnovers loomed large as New Mexico State was forced into 28 while dishing out just four assists (0.14 assist/turnover ratio). New Mexico State came in leading the WAC in assist/turnover ratio (0.96) and hadn't coughed the ball up that many times since committing 31 turnovers on Nov. 19, 2015.
FORCING THE ISSUE
The Bobcat defense pitched a stellar defensive outing against Siena as the Saints were forced into 34 turnovers while Quinnipiac came up with 20 steals in the winning effort. The 34 forced turnovers for Quinnipiac are the second-most by a Bobcat opponent in a single-game in the Bobcats' Div. I program history (since 1998-99) – Quinnipiac forced Manhattan into 35 turnovers last season on Dec. 6, 2015.
WHAT A WIN!
Trailing 17 points with 14:30 remaining, the Bobcats gutted out the largest comeback in the program's Division I history as Quinnipiac came-from-behind to defeat fellow mid-major power Dayton, 63-60, in Ohio on Sunday, Nov. 13. The 17-point Quinnipiac comeback sets a new Div. I record, one better than a 16-point margin overcome in a 68-61 overtime win over Robert Morris back on Feb. 19, 2000.
TURNAROUND FOR THE AGES
Playing in front of a ravenous home fanbase of nearly 2,000 strong cheering for a Dayton team just two seasons removed from a run into the 2015 Elite Eight, the Bobcats were all but out of it trailing 46-29 with 4:30 left in the third quarter. After shooting a paltry 11-for-41 (26.8 percent) overall up to the 4:30 mark of the third quarter, Quinnipiac was nothing short of incredible for the final 14:30 of play. Led by the senior tandem of Morgan Manz and Adily Martucci, the Bobcats finished 13-of-26 (50 percent) in what amounted to a 20-point swing (34-14 run) to end the game.
RESUME BOOSTER
Quinnipiac opened 2016-17 with two of their most impressive wins in program history. Starting with a 66-56 win over perennial mid-major power Florida Gulf Coast, the Bobcats' 63-60 road win over Dayton comes against a Flyer team that had won six consecutive Atlantic-10 Championships from 2010-15. Between the Bobcats' first two opponents, Quinnipiac defeated a pair of teams that have combined for 453 wins (FGCU: 246-52; Dayton: 207-82), 50.3 wins per season (FGCU: 27.3; Dayton: 23), 77.1 winning percentage, 10 conference titles and five NCAA Tournament victories in the last nine seasons (since 2007-08).
MISSION COMPLETE
After a pair of thrilling meetings in the two seasons prior, the Bobcats finally broke through against Florida Gulf Coast as Quinnipiac dominated defensively in a 66-56 season-opening win at home over the fellow mid-major power. In a matchup pitting two programs ranked in the College Insider Mid-Major Poll, then-No. 13 Quinnipiac put on a defensive clinic in holding then-No. 7 FGCU to just 20-of-61 shooting from the floor and 12 percent (3-25 3FG) from three. Quinnipiac's defensive outing from the three-point line is commendable considering FGCU ranked sixth in the nation with 9.3 made three-pointers per game in 2015-16.
THE 2015-16 REGULAR SEASON
Quinnipiac finished 22-7 overall and 17-3 in league play to earn the 2015-16 MAAC Regular Season Championship and the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. Quinnipiac clinched its second straight MAAC Regular Season title with a win over Iona in a winner-take-all regular season finale. The regular season title was the Bobcats' third in the four years dating back to the 2012-13 campaign where Quinnipiac was crowned the NEC Regular Season Champions. The Bobcats became just the second MAAC team, joining Marist in 2004-05, to start their conference schedule with three losses and win the remainder of their games to take home the MAAC Regular Season title outright. Quinnipiac entered the MAAC Tournament winners of 17 straight games which was the sixth-longest streak in the nation.
HIGH-POWERED OFFENSIVE ATTACK
Quinnipiac's coaching staff has long preached an up-tempo offensive system and the stats certainly reflect its success as the Bobcats have led their respective conference in scoring offense and assists in four of the last five seasons. Starting in the final two years of the Northeast Conference, Quinnipiac averaged an NEC-leading 67.9 points per game in 2011-12 and 70.5 PPG in 2012-13. That success carried over since joining the MAAC as the Bobcats ranked second in the league at 73.4 PPG in 2013-14 before leading the way again in 2014-15 with a league-record 78.5 PPG as well as 67.5 PPG in 2015-16. Over the last five seasons, Quinnipiac's cumulative scoring average is 71.6 PPG while the team dishes out 16.6 assists per game across the 168-game span.
| Scoring Offense Last Five Seasons | ||||||
| Season | Games | W-L | Pts | PPG | Ast | APG |
| 2011-12 | 32 | 22-10 | 2173 | 67.9 | 470 | 14.7 |
| 2012-13 | 33 | 30-3 | 2327 | 70.5 | 557 | 16.9 |
| 2013-14 | 34 | 21-13 | 2494 | 73.4 | 554 | 16.3 |
| 2014-15 | 35 | 31-4 | 2749 | 78.5 | 685 | 19.6 |
| 2015-16 | 34 | 25-9 | 2294 | 67.4 | 523 | 15.4 |
| Total | 168 | 129-39 | 12,037 | 71.6 | 2789 | 16.6 |
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball2025 MAAC Basketball Tip-Off Event - ESPN+ Show
Tuesday, September 30
Coaches Road Show at Bears BBQ
Thursday, September 04
Quinnipiac Athletics 2024-25 Highlight Video
Tuesday, May 20
2024 Women's Basketball Kids Day: Recap
Friday, December 20
