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American Holds On To Top Rider, 80-68
Costenbader, Hunt and Spriggs all post double-doubles for Eagles

January 7, 2003

Katryn Costenbader had 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as AU topped RIder.

Gameday Central
American	80
Rider	68
Box Score
Points: Hunt (AU) 15, Spriggs (AU) 15; Hower (RU) 20 Rebounds: Costenbader (AU) 14; Hall (RU) 8, James (RU) 8 Assists: Schuyler (AU) 7, Moore (RU) 3

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — American University's women's basketball team (7-6) held off a pesky Rider (6-5) squad to snap a four-game losing streak and earn Coach Shann Hart's 100th career victory with a 80-68 victory. Katryn Costenbader, Chanel Hunt and Chanel Spriggs all had double-doubles for the Eagles in the win. Hunt and Spriggs each had 15 points and 10 rebounds while Costenbader netted 14 points and grabbed 14 boards.

After spotting the Broncs a 5-0 lead, the Eagles had one of their best halves of the season. Trailing 7-2 early in the half, the Eagles took the lead thanks to a 15-2 spurt. Costenbader had seven straight points during this stretch and Spriggs added four points.

With American holding a 20-13 lead, the Eagles went on a 19-5 run over an eight minute stretch to open a 21 point lead. Spriggs had one of her four first half steals and found an open Angel McNatt for a lay-up to start the run. Kaitlin Schuyler followed with a three-pointer and Spriggs had another steal and a lay-up for the Eagles. Maria Werries and Schuyler each had five points during the run. AU tied its season-high with 43 first half points, building a 20-point halftime advantage.

Rider got hot in the second half and was able to climb back into the game. An early 12-2 run cut the AU lead to 11 and included a long three-pointer by Rider's Becky Hower. After the teams traded baskets, the Broncs went on another 8-2 run to close within 66-58.

AU's lead remained in single-digits before Spriggs made a driving lay-up with just under a minute to play to extend the lead to 11. Once again, the Eagles played excellent defense down the stretch, holding Rider without a basket from the floor over the final 5:22. AU was solid from the free throw line in the final minute to hold on for the win.

A season-high five Eagles scored in double figures. Werries (12) and Schuyler (11) joined Costenbader, Hunt and Spriggs. Schuyler also dished out a season-high seven assists.

American shot 48.6 percent from the field and a season-best 42.9 percent from behind the three-point arc. AU also outrebounded the Broncs, 54-41.

American begins Patriot League action this Saturday as the Eagles head to Bucknell. AU will play the Bison in the final game in Bucknell's Davis Gym with tip-off at 1 p.m.