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Crusaders Pull Away From AHN

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By CHRIS ERRINGTON

Tribune correspondent

Published: December 6, 2008

TAMPA - It might have come later than most expected, but when it did, Tampa Catholic looked as dominant as it had for much of this season.

A big third quarter turned a surprisingly close game into a runaway as the visiting Crusaders dominated on the boards and ran past Academy of the Holy Names, 77-54 Friday night.

"We definitely played a very sloppy first half, but that third quarter was the difference," said Tampa Catholic coach Nancy Kroll. "Our style is to run, but you need to get rebounds to do that. Once we started getting them, we were able to get the offense going.

"I think I've got two of the best players in the county in Sarah Brennan and Colette Eule."

Eule, who entered averaging 20 points per game, started slowly, but like her teammates, eventually got untracked to lead all scorers with 22. Brennan added 20, while Mica Kroll, who connected on three of the team's five 3-pointers, finished with 18.

Leading just 31-24 at the half, Tampa Catholic used a 20-9 run, capped by Eule's fast-break layup, to open a commanding 51-35 lead and effectively put the game away. The Crusaders (7-1) used a combination of stifling defense - they forced 13 turnovers and held a 37-21 rebounding advantage - and up-tempo offense which led to numerous easy baskets to finally distance themselves from the pesky Jaguars (1-4)

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