Cabrini College honored their one and only senior women’s basketball player, Sharae Middlebrook on Monday, Feb. 18 before the start of the Cavaliers and Eastern University Eagles basketball game. This night not only pledged good-bye to a senior athlete, but waved good-bye to the Eagles as they boarded their bus for a two minute drive home.
From the “get-go,” the women of Cabrini wanted to leave Middlebrook with a lasting memory of a win on her last regular season home game. They collaboratively did just that by downing Eastern 82-57.
The now 18-6 Cavaliers proved a game plan of running the court, being too much for a meager Eagles bench. Getting the Eagles in foul trouble early, they showed timid play as the Cavs powered the ball inside for high percentage shots.
Not only did the Cavs incorporate a “run and gun” play, but when the time came, they slowed down to a composed half court game, which resulted in their favor as well.
Despite the Eagles foul troubles, they tried to gain momentum on the offensive end. Eastern, although did not have the lead during any point of the game, made their runs with back-to-back three’s and second-chance points, but this simply resulted in harder play by their opponent.
As the final moments came off the clock, the reserves made sure to keep the uniform style of play that was put into place by the starters until the buzzer sounded.
Sophomore Deana DiAmico and junior Brittany McLeod led the squad with 15 points a piece, with DiAmico a perfect 10 for 10 from the charity stripe.
Middlebrook finished the game with a sweet taste in her mouth by netting seven points, grabbing two rebounds, dishing one assist and registering one steal.
“I’m so happy Sharae came out strong and finished strong,” junior English and communication major Kayleen Smith said.
DiAmico said, “It’s so sad that it’s Sharae’s last home game, but she went out on top though.”
Middlebrook said, “This was an unbelievable experience to play here and I love each and every one of my teammates to death. I wouldn’t want to be at any other college.”
