Oakdale, N.Y. - ECC Player of the Year Danielle Wilson's 27 point, 15 rebound double-double led Dowling past NYIT to take home the East Coast Conference Championship title for the second straight year. Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Christine Verrelle, also was instrumental in their win shooting 5-8 from beyond the three point line finishing with 15 points.
Dowling College improves to 25-3 (17-1 ECC) and the NYIT Bears fall to 23-5(14-4 ECC).
Dowling College opened up the game with a quick 4-0 lead, courtesy of quick buckets from seniors Seja Gamble and Danielle Wilson. The game was tight throughout the first part of the half with the score 10-13. Dowling then went on a 21-4 run to gain a twenty point lead at 34-14, holding NYIT without a field goal up until they scored with four minutes to go. Dowling College finished the first half shooting 44% while outrebounded NYIT 21-18 Dowling held a 17 point lead heading into the half 38-21.
Wilson finished the first half with 16 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Verrelle finished with nine points all from beyond the three point line hitting three of her first four shots.
The second half saw Dowling maintain their double digit lead over NYIT Bears. Midway through the second half Dowling College pushed their lead back up to twenty at 57-37 from a couple of three point daggers from Verrelle. Wilson continued to flex her muscles down low dominating the paint scoring 11 points and grabbing six rebounds in the half. With five minutes to go the Golden Lions did not let up, as they continued to push their lead to 31 at 70-39. The Golden Lions cruised to a comfortable 72-49 win to capture the ECC Championship Title.
Dowling College defense was impressive throughout the game holding NYIT to a low 26% from the field while recording 11 blocks and five steals. Dowling College held an 45-39 edge off the glass and with a 30-10 advantage in the paint.
With the win, the Golden Lions earn an automactic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Provided by the Dowling Sports Information Department.
