Early Scare but Foxes Advance

Early in the second half of the Red Foxes opening round game against Depaul, Marist found themselves in a bit of a hole. Right before the second half's first media timeout, Marist was down 11 and Depaul was looking like they were going to pull off an upset. It's crazy how if Marist lost last night they would have been upset, seeing that a year ago Marist's first round win over Ohio State was the biggest story in both the Men's and Women's tournament that weekend. However Rachele Fitz hit a layup and was fouled as Marist went to the bench with just under 16 minutes remaining, now down 9. Fitz's free-throw out of the timeout cut it to 8 and the run began for the Foxes. I don't think I was alone when I knew Marist was never out of this game. We know how fast this team can put up points and something told me they weren't leaving Louisiana so soon this year. After struggling in the first half Marist shot an impressive 57.7% from the field in the second half and pulled away. They closed on a 19-0 run and held Depaul to 0-14 fg's. Unreal how they trailed by double digits early in the second half and then decided to end Depaul's hopes at advancing by going on a 32-2 run. I don't know if I've ever watched a basketball game where there has been such a dominating run. Fitz led the way for the Foxes with 23 points and five boards but it was the big shots from Julianne Viani that sparked Marist to take over this ball game. The win was Marist's 22nd in a row and it earned them a second round matchup against LSU. Not only do they face a #2 seed but it will also be a home game for the Lady Tigers with the game being played at LSU. Tip time is 7pm on Monday night and will be televised on ESPN2.