Mainland Snaps Absegami Girls' Basketball Team's Three-Game Winning Streak

The Absegami High School girls’ basketball team did too much chasing Wednesday night both on the court and on the scoreboard.

The Braves didn't take care of the ball, turning it over, which led to fast-break points for Mainland. The Mustangs took full advantage, snapping the Braves' three-game winning streak in a 54-44 win in Cape-Atlantic League American Conference play.

"We had a lot of turnovers and got frazzled with their press," Absegami guard Rebecca Sartorio said. "We rushed and didn't take our time on offense."

"We just have to run plays and look for open cuts," Absegami center MacKenzie Wimberg said. "We have to take care of the ball and keep turnovers to a minimum."

The Braves battled back from an early deficit just when it seemed like the Mustangs were running away with the game.

The Braves were down 17-8 early in the second quarter, but an 11-2 run tied the score at 19-19.  

Wimberg, who finished with a game-high 23 points, scored four points, and Jamea Coleman hit a corner 3-pointer in the run. Two free throws by Mainland's Alex Raring gave the Mustangs a 21-19 lead at halftime.

"I think we did a really good job coming back in the second quarter," Absegami coach Megan Tracey said. "I told the girls at halftime that they did fight, and we needed to set the tone in the second half. But we had too many turnovers, and once they started getting pressured, we had a little trouble. Their defense did a good job creating that mayhem."

The Mustangs' defense kept creating turnovers, leading to fast break points in the second half. The Mustangs opened up a six-point lead after three quarters.

Mainland put the game out of reach with an 11-2 run to start the fourth quarter.

"One quarter we do really good, but we just have to put all four quarters together," Sartorio said.

"I think they are doing the best they can," Tracey said. "We are looking to improve every game. We need to cut down on turnovers and get into our offense more smoothly."

The Braves entered the game on a roll, and had fought back to the .500 mark with three straight wins. Absegami held its opponents to less than 30 points in two of those wins.

The Absegami half court defense was solid against the Mustangs, but gave up too many easy points in transition, mostly off turnovers.

"We just have to keep our heads up,” Wimberg said. "We are doing good and getting better."

The Braves travel to Ocean City on Friday night.