Ithaca Women’s Basketball Narrowly Defeated by Clarkson in Intense Matchup

The Ithaca College women’s basketball team faced a tough game against Clarkson University. They fell 68-59, but you could see the fight in the Bombers from start to finish.

Ithaca battled back from early deficits, pushing hard at different points. Still, Clarkson’s steady play and hot shooting proved too much in the end.

This blog post takes a look at the game’s key moments and player performances. There’s also a peek at what’s next for the Bombers.

Cold Start and Early Deficit

Ithaca came out with a jolt of energy. Tori Drevna knocked down a three-pointer right away, set up by Grace McNamara.

But Clarkson answered fast, setting the pace and finishing the first quarter up 22–11. The Bombers just couldn’t get shots to fall early, and Clarkson took full advantage.

Defensive Tightening in the Second Quarter

Ithaca’s defense picked up in the second quarter. They held Clarkson to 14 points and added 11 of their own.

Even with the defensive improvement, Clarkson kept a double-digit lead at halftime. Their offense just kept clicking.

Third Quarter Rally

Ithaca came out of halftime looking recharged. The third quarter was their best stretch, slicing the deficit to just five points.

Grace McNamara led the charge, helping Ithaca close the quarter trailing 48–43. That run gave the Bombers some hope heading into the last ten minutes.

Clarkson’s Fourth Quarter Dominance

Clarkson didn’t let the momentum swing last long. They hit big shots and made their free throws in the fourth quarter.

The Golden Knights’ composure down the stretch sealed their 79-69 win. Their rebounding stood out too, as they grabbed 45 boards to Ithaca’s 32.

Standout Performances

Grace McNamara led Ithaca with 19 points and seven rebounds. Madison Gill added 15 points, and Natalie Tucker chipped in 10.

Their efforts kept the Bombers in it, even when things looked tough.

Shooting and Rebounding Stats

Ithaca shot 40.3% from the floor—not bad, but Clarkson shot an even hotter 48.3%. That edge made a difference.

Clarkson’s work on the glass, with a 45-32 rebounding advantage, let them control the pace and flow.

Looking Ahead

With this loss, Ithaca drops to 7–14 overall and 4–10 in the Liberty League. Next up, they’ll face Bard College on Friday, February 13, at 5:30 p.m.

Maybe that’s the game where things start clicking. We’ll have to wait and see.

Key Takeaways

• Early Deficits: Overcoming early deficits is crucial for maintaining competitiveness throughout the game.
• Defensive Adjustments: Ithaca showed some real adaptability by tightening up defensively in the second quarter.
• Momentum Shifts: The third quarter rally highlighted how important it is to keep momentum and take advantage of scoring chances.
• Consistency: Clarkson’s steady play in the fourth quarter really sealed their win.

The Bombers showed some grit and made smart adjustments as the game went on. That bodes well for their future matchups.

If they break down what worked and what didn’t, Ithaca can play to their strengths and shore up the weaker spots. The next game against Bard College feels like a big test—can they bounce back and show how much they’ve grown?