Thursday, November 29
Bethlehem, Pa.
6 P.M.
Lehigh University
6-2
67
vs
54
Cornell
2-4
1
2
3
4
F
CORNELL
14
8
15
17
54
Lehigh
17
19
15
16
67
Photo by: Justin Lafleur
Benz Has Career Game To Lead Lehigh Past Cornell
11/29/2018 9:32:00 PM | Women's Basketball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh women's basketball team picked up their sixth win of the year as the Mountain Hawks dispatched the Cornell Big Red at Stabler Arena Thursday night to the tune of 67-54. Lehigh moves to 6-2 on the year while Cornell falls to 2-4 this season.
Lehigh has seen all six of its wins come by 10 or more points this season, a feat last achieved by the 2009-10 squad that captured its first 10 wins by 10 or more points.
Junior Cameryn Benz had a career night against Cornell, setting a new career high in scoring with 23 points scored along with going 10-of-13 shooting. Those 23 points bests her previous career high of 14 points she had against Holy Cross during her freshman season. Benz also set a new season high for most points scored in a game by a Lehigh player, as that was previously tied between juniors Camryn Buhr and Gena Grundhoffer who both scored 17 points.
Benz is also the first Mountain Hawk to make 10 or more field goals in a game since Quinci Mann made 12 field goals against Loyola last season.
"I was really proud of Cam today, I thought she has as complete a game in her career. She's shown this drive in practice and I'm happy to see it coming out in a game more consistently and I hope it gives her a confidence boost. I think she's one of the best athletes we have in our program and one of the most skilled players," said head coach Sue Troyan after the win.
For the second time this season, Lehigh featured four players scoring in double figures, as Benz (23), Buhr (14), sophomore Mary Clougherty (12), and Grundhoffer (10) all reached double figures against the Big Red. Thursday also marked the seventh time this season three or more players reached double figures for the Mountain Hawks.
Buhr has recorded double figures in scoring in every game this season, providing a solid support system for Lehigh this season.
"I think it's going to be important to have multiple kids going on any given night, especially when we enter Patriot League play. Just having different kids that can play different roles will be important as we progress through the season," said Troyan. "I think the strength of this team is how unselfish our kids are, they share the ball and aren't worried about stats, they just care about winning games."
Lehigh was busy in the paint against Cornell, scoring 40 of its 67 points down low against the Big Red.
"I think when you go 2-for-21 from three you have to find different ways to score. There were very few perimeter shots that were bad, and we did a good job of taking what the defense was giving us and taking advantage," said Troyan.
Lehigh and Cornell were neck-and-neck through the first frame, with both teams shooting 7-of-15 and the game resulting in a tie score five times in the first quarter. Benz was quick on the draw as well, scoring seven points to help Lehigh keep pace with a pesky Cornell squad.
Cornell would draw within one point of the Mountain Hawks early in the second quarter, but wouldn't be able to capitalize as the Mountain Hawks soared to a lead as large as 18 in the third quarter.
The Mountain Hawks would keep their foot on the preverbally pedal, leading by no less than 12 in the final frame of action against the Big Red.
Lehigh will play once again in the safe confines of Stabler Arena with the Pioneers of Sacred Heart of the Northeast Conference coming to town on December 8. Game time is set for 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at LehighTickets.com or by calling 610-7LU-GAME during business hours.
Like Lehigh women's basketball on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content, team updates and more.
Lehigh has seen all six of its wins come by 10 or more points this season, a feat last achieved by the 2009-10 squad that captured its first 10 wins by 10 or more points.
Junior Cameryn Benz had a career night against Cornell, setting a new career high in scoring with 23 points scored along with going 10-of-13 shooting. Those 23 points bests her previous career high of 14 points she had against Holy Cross during her freshman season. Benz also set a new season high for most points scored in a game by a Lehigh player, as that was previously tied between juniors Camryn Buhr and Gena Grundhoffer who both scored 17 points.
Benz is also the first Mountain Hawk to make 10 or more field goals in a game since Quinci Mann made 12 field goals against Loyola last season.
"I was really proud of Cam today, I thought she has as complete a game in her career. She's shown this drive in practice and I'm happy to see it coming out in a game more consistently and I hope it gives her a confidence boost. I think she's one of the best athletes we have in our program and one of the most skilled players," said head coach Sue Troyan after the win.
For the second time this season, Lehigh featured four players scoring in double figures, as Benz (23), Buhr (14), sophomore Mary Clougherty (12), and Grundhoffer (10) all reached double figures against the Big Red. Thursday also marked the seventh time this season three or more players reached double figures for the Mountain Hawks.
Buhr has recorded double figures in scoring in every game this season, providing a solid support system for Lehigh this season.
"I think it's going to be important to have multiple kids going on any given night, especially when we enter Patriot League play. Just having different kids that can play different roles will be important as we progress through the season," said Troyan. "I think the strength of this team is how unselfish our kids are, they share the ball and aren't worried about stats, they just care about winning games."
Lehigh was busy in the paint against Cornell, scoring 40 of its 67 points down low against the Big Red.
"I think when you go 2-for-21 from three you have to find different ways to score. There were very few perimeter shots that were bad, and we did a good job of taking what the defense was giving us and taking advantage," said Troyan.
Lehigh and Cornell were neck-and-neck through the first frame, with both teams shooting 7-of-15 and the game resulting in a tie score five times in the first quarter. Benz was quick on the draw as well, scoring seven points to help Lehigh keep pace with a pesky Cornell squad.
Cornell would draw within one point of the Mountain Hawks early in the second quarter, but wouldn't be able to capitalize as the Mountain Hawks soared to a lead as large as 18 in the third quarter.
The Mountain Hawks would keep their foot on the preverbally pedal, leading by no less than 12 in the final frame of action against the Big Red.
Lehigh will play once again in the safe confines of Stabler Arena with the Pioneers of Sacred Heart of the Northeast Conference coming to town on December 8. Game time is set for 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at LehighTickets.com or by calling 610-7LU-GAME during business hours.
Like Lehigh women's basketball on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content, team updates and more.
Team Stats
CORNELL
LEHIGH
FG%
.440
.458
3FG%
.125
.095
FT%
.750
.688
RB
34
30
TO
23
18
STL
7
8
Game Leaders
Pts
23
FGM
10
3FGM
1
FTM
2
Pts
14
FGM
4
3FGM
0
FTM
6
Pts
12
FGM
5
3FGM
1
FTM
1
Pts
10
FGM
5
3FGM
0
FTM
0
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's BasketballG
/ Women's BasketballG
/ Women's BasketballF
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's BasketballLehigh Sports Central: Women's Basketball
Wednesday, November 19
Season Preview - Women's Basketball
Friday, October 31
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Thursday, May 15
Chasing Greatness: The Road to the Patriot League Title - Part 1
Wednesday, May 14
