MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Despite monumental double-double performances from Anabela Jakelic (Zagreb, Croatia) and Kylie Grant (Dallas, Texas), the Pratt Institute women's basketball team was outlasted by Saint Elizabeth University, 61-50, in an Atlantic East Conference contest on Wednesday evening.
The game featured 10 lead changes and nine ties, with the Cannoneers holding a one-point advantage heading into the final quarter before the hosts pulled away.
Pratt (1-12, 0-5 Atlantic East) started strong, with Jakelic scoring eight early points to help the black-and-gold build a 13-10 lead after the first period. The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, but Saint Elizabeth (8-8, 2-3 Atlantic East) managed to take a slim 28-26 lead into the halftime break.
The Cannoneers came out energized in the third, reclaiming the lead and battling through several ties. As the period expired, Miga Higa (Torrance, Calif.) drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, sending Pratt into the final frame with a 43-42 advantage. A pair of Jakelic free throws with 5:20 to play put Pratt up 49-47, before, the Eagles responded with a decisive 14-1 run to close out the game.
Jakelic was a force all night, finishing with a season-high 23 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks. Grant was equally impressive, recording 17 points and a season-high 15 rebounds. Higa provided a spark off the bench with eight points and three assists, while Dahlia Dimitrov (Montreal, Canada) added six rebounds and a team-high three steals.
The Eagles were led by 14 points each from Yasminah White and Ahjionae Cobb, who also grabbed nine rebounds. Elyssa Russo orchestrated the offense with 11 points and six assists.
The Cannoneers continue their road swing on Saturday, January 24, traveling to Immaculata, Pa. for an Atlantic East matchup with first-place, league-unbeaten Immaculata University. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
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