ROUND TWO Here lies one of the greatest “what-ifs” of the Red Foxes’ dynasty.
The round two match-up between Marist and host Duke was akin to a heavyweight bout. Marist came in at 31-2 and had the nation’s longest winning streak at 27 games, while Duke was 30-3. Once again, the Red Foxes started fast. They built a 10-point lead on two occasions in the first half. The advantage stood at four at the 5:44 mark when Allenspach injured her ankle in a collision with a teammate. Allenspach had earned her place on the Mount Rushmore of the program’s greats for not only her all-around excellence, but her toughness. If she could walk, she could play. The problem was, she couldn’t get a shoe on over her injured ankle. Marist’s lead went back up to 11 on two occasions early in the second half, and the Red Foxes still led by six with five minutes to play and a second Sweet Sixteen appearance in five years within their sights. However, the team that led the nation in fewest turnovers per game began to wear down against Duke’s constant pressure. The Red Foxes committed four turnovers in a span of less than three minutes, which led to eight Duke points. Still, the Red Foxes had come too far to give in. Duke led by five until a Caron three cut it to two with 40 seconds left. After two free throws by Duke’s Crystal Thomas, Oliver countered with a layup with 15 ticks left. Marist had a chance at a game-tying three in the final seconds, but it was not to be. Despite a 25-point, 12-rebound performance from Yarde, Marist’s season came to an end with a 71-66 defeat.
FUN FACTS
• The Class of 2011 – Allenspach, Caron, and Maria Laterza – had a career record of 100 games over .500. With a 118-18 mark, this remains the winningest class in program history to date. • Bill Fennelly is now in his 28th season at Iowa State’s head coach. • Joanne P. McCallie, who coached Duke from 2007-20, is the aunt of Allie Clement, who played at Marist from 2014-19. • Duke had five double-digit scorers against Marist. All five have played in the WNBA: • Jasmine Thomas (Duke’s leading scorer with 17) – 13th year in the WNBA, currently with the Los Angeles Sparks, and a five-time All-Defensive Team selection. • Chelsea Gray – ninth year in the WNBA, currently with the Las Vegas Aces, two-time WNBA champion. • Haley Peters – four-year WNBA career with three teams. • Karima Christmas – 10-year WNBA career with five teams, currently an assistant coach with the Indiana Fever. • Krystal Thomas – seven-year WNBA career with four teams.
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Thank You, Coach Giorgis
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