Box Score

The old adage for scorers on the basketball court is that if your shot isn't falling early, get yourself to the free-throw line, see the ball go through the net a few times, and get yourself some points the hard way.

After a first half in which it shot 34.6 percent from the field, the Muhlenberg women's team was aggressive in the second half to pull away for its sixth straight win, 75-51 at Washington College.

"The biggest thing we've been focusing on is keeping our intensity up, because over the last couple of games it really feels like something has clicked and our chemistry is really unbelievable. We're playing with a lot of emotion and getting the job done," senior guard Nicole Pepe said.

"I think that's just how the game was going on. If you can get some easy points at the line and stretch the lead, we'll take that anyway we can do it."

Twelve different Mules (9-5, 8-2) scored in the Centennial Conference road matchup. Muhlenberg was again led by Leanna Tallamy, who notched her school-record ninth straight double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Tallamy earned 16 trips to the free-throw line, making 15 while putting several Shorewomen in foul trouble.

"She's just the most incredible player I've ever played with. She has such an affinity for the ball. I don't even know how she gets to it sometimes. She's a tough player and she never gives up," Pepe said.

One Muhlenberg player whose shot was falling was the sniper Pepe. The senior wing hit three triples for 13 points. Her three with 15:56 to go in the second half sparked a 14-0 run over the next five minutes that put the Mules up by 20. With Tallamy scoring many of her points in post ups, Pepe can make defenses pay for doubling down on Muhlenberg's post players, knocking down threes from all over the court.

"I just know that our post players are really good, so the defense is going to crash down on them. I just try to find a spot on the three-point line where they can find me. The more I don't think, the better I shoot," Pepe said. "And if my three-ball isn't falling, I'll try to drive into the middle and find somebody else for a shot, because we run a freelance offense."

Her mate on the other wing, Laura Gregory, scored 11 on 4-of-8 shooting from the field. Pepe shot 5-for-9 overall and 3-for-5 from downtown.

Christina Santone (pictured above) made a big difference in the middle, blocking four shots and corralling 10 rebounds, four on the offensive end.

The Mules kept pace with the CC leaders after taking care of business in their three games this week, winning all by at least 24 points against teams that are a combined 4-21 in the CC. They return home to face playoff contenders Ursinus and Johns Hopkins this week.

"We have to keep the intensity up and continue to play with the emotion we've been playing with," said Pepe. "We can't come out flat in these important conference games."

pictured left: Senior Janelle Fleet scored seven points and added a pair of steals.