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John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Sue Zidanic chair at midcourt
Peter Wangechi
John Carroll remembered the late Sue Zidanic '95 before the game, and tallied a great win in her honor. 
66
Otterbein OTT 9-15,7-10 OAC
81
Winner John Carroll JCU 13-11,8-9 OAC
Otterbein OTT
9-15,7-10 OAC
66
Final
81
John Carroll JCU
13-11,8-9 OAC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Otterbein OTT 7 14 19 26 66
John Carroll JCU 19 21 27 14 81

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | Jack Stephens, Staff Writer

On Valentine's Day, Blue Streaks Win for Sue Z to Clinch OAC Tourney Berth

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — In John Carroll's annual "Pink Game" to honor the late Blue Streak Women's Basketball player, Sue Zidanic '95, JCU dominated the Otterbein Cardinals, 81-66. 

The victory marked a critical one in the race to the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament, too. The Blue Streaks advanced to 8-9 in OAC play, and with a Mount Union loss, clinched a spot in the OAC Tournament next week. 

JCU currently stands fifth in the OAC standings, but cannot advance any higher, so will be on the road in Tuesday's quarterfinal regardless of the result of the regular-season finale on Saturday at Capital. 

It seemed like there was a lid on the rim for the first four minutes of play, as both teams were held scoreless. However, the Cardinals broke the ice with back-to-back buckets. Then John Carroll started to execute their offense in the half court to even the score. The Blue Streaks really began to expand their lead with easy buckets off fast breaks. A big time three-pointer from sophomore guard Katie Zatta capped off a 10-0 Blue Streak run, giving JCU a 19-7 lead after one. 

John Carroll's balanced play on both ends of the court continued in the second quarter. Otterbein would hang around, keeping the deficit at 11 points, but then JCU exploded for a 12-2 run, highlighted by a couple buckets from sophomores Bella Carcioppolo and Ava Ryncarz. This was paired with some tough offensive rebounds from senior Angela Vitantonio keeping possessions alive. This run down the stretch of the quarter gave JCU a 40-21 advantage at halftime. A big part to their success in the first half was the stifling defense from JCU holding Otterbein to just 21% shooting and three turnovers through the first 20 minutes of play.

Ryncarz led all scorers with 13 points to go along with eight rebounds and two assists. Carcioppolo was right behind with eight points on only four shots. Freshman guard Kyla Irby led the way for the Cardinals with nine points. 

The Blue Streaks really took control of the contest down the stretch of the third quarter. A three-minute 11-0 run with seven points coming from Vitantonio took a commanding 29-point lead. A tough drive by the featured training card athlete, freshman guard Brooke Laub closed out another quarter dominated by JCU, as they took a 67-40 lead into the final quarter of play.

Otterbein looked to create a little momentum scoring the first four points of the final period, but a reverse layup from senior guard Halle Landies ended the threat. Another bucket from Vitantonio would continue her career night, with a career-high 15 points and seven rebounds. Otterbein would outscore the Blue Streaks in the final period, but the lead was too big to overcome as JCU controlled this game through four quarters winning, 81-66.

"We've grown a lot as a team throughout the year," Vitantonio commented after the game. "I'm really excited to get the tournament started and show the conference what we are made of."

John Carroll had three players score in the double figures led by Ryncarz with 19, followed by Vitantonio. Sophomore guard Carmen Heuker facilitated both sides of the court for the Blue Streaks with six points, seven rebounds and six assists. Otterbein senior guard Claire Radabaugh led the way for the Cardinals with a career-high 16 points and four boards. 

JCU looks to conclude their season on a hot note entering the OAC Tournament as they travel down to Bexley to take on the Capital Comets, Saturday at 2 pm. 
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