WARREN, Mich. – On Friday (Nov. 5), Macomb Women's Basketball saw their historic winning streak – a streak that spanned an incredible 985 days over the course of two seasons and 43 total games – come to an end despite a thrilling comeback attempt at the end that resulted in a narrow 73-69 setback to Bryant & Stratton (OH).
The retooling Monarchs (0-1) suffered an emotional loss early in the contest as the team lost Rayonna Armstrong (Toledo, Ohio/Notre Dame) to an injury. Amrstrong is the team's top returner after averaging 16.5 points per game a season ago. The impressive freshman campaign landed Armstrong recognition as a World Exposure Report All-American, a NJCAA All-Region selection, as well as several MCCAA honors.
After losing Armstrong early, the injury bug continued to bite the roster, but 13th year head coach Jay Ritchie and staff rallied the Monarchs for a spirited comeback at the end of Friday's contest.
Down 58-40 entering the fourth quarter, the Monarchs refused to quit and battled all the way back to tie the game late before Bryant & Stratton sealed the contest with free throws in the waning seconds. In all, the Monarchs outscored the visiting Bobcats 29-15 over the game's final 10 minutes to nearly cap off an incredible, shorthanded comeback.
Newcomer DeBraya Edwards (Detroit, Mich./Roseville) was impressive in her Monarch debut as the sophomore put together a well-rounded game that resulted in a collegiate career-high 24 points. Edwards added six rebounds, five assists and three steals to her 24-point night and was followed closely by last season's All-Conference Honorable Mention selection, Amy Jackson (Flat Rock, Mich./Flat Rock), who knocked down five triples on her way to a career-best 21 points. Jackson also added nine rebounds, a block and a steal in the narrow loss.
Sisters Chante Hudgins (Warren, Mich./Lincoln) and Valina Hudgins (Warren, Mich./Lincoln) combined for 22 rebounds and 15 points, while Gabriella DiPiazza (Warren, Mich./Cousino) rounded out the top performers with six points on 2-of-5 shooting from three-point land.
The Monarchs remain home for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off against Aquinas College JV on Thursday (Nov. 11).
