The Mustang started strong against NHTI and barely looked back in a 78-41 win in a battle of two unbeaten clubs.

“NHTI is definitely one of our rivals,” said CMCC forward Maggie Sabine, who led the Mustangs with 23 points and 14 rebounds. “Coach really had us prepared to play. It was another statement game. Coaches are scouting us, and we wanted to prove ourselves again tonight.”

CMCC was ranked third in the latest USCAA D2 poll while NHTI was ninth.

The Mustangs jumped out to a quick lead and used a 17-2 run to open a 17-4 lead just over seven minutes into the game.

“It was important to get off to a good start,” said CMCC coach Andrew Morong. “They’re well-coached. They very disciplined. They have three girls that can score. Other than leaving their 3-point shooter open a couple of times, we played very disciplined.”

Danielle McCusker had 22 points and eight rebounds for CMCC while Susie French chipped in 15. NHTI was led by Danielle Kimball’s 15.

NHTI hit just one of its first nine shots while CMCC drained five of its first six. Tied 4-4, Sabine hit two free throws and Corrina Kinder scored on a three-point play. McCusker followed with a 3. After two more Sabine free throws, French scored on a fast break and later hit a free throw for 13 straight to make it 17-4. NHTI went five minutes without a basket.

“We did a lot of that without Susie French on the floor,” said Morong. “She got into foul trouble, but the team responded and other girls’ stepped up.”

CMCC utilized a nice inside-out game. They’d feed Sabine inside or get open looks on the perimeter. CMCC finished with eight 3’s, six coming from McCusker.

“We knew trying to force it into Maggie off one or two passes wasn’t going to work,” said Morong. “Finally, we started making three, four or five passes and the sixth or seventh pass went into Maggie. Then she started getting open looks. Then everyone was sagging. That opened things up on the perimeter for McCusker and French.”

NHTI cut the deficit to 19-14 with 11:15 left in the half. The Lynx used a 10-2 run, led by 3’s by Kimball and Jordan Phinney. CMCC responded with a 14-3 spurt of its own, including 10 straight points.

“Coach just told us that it was about heart at that point,” said Sabine. “We have a history with NHTI. They’re our rivals. So we pulled through, and I think we proved ourselves.”

Sabine had nine points during that run that helped open up a 45-25 lead at the half. CMCC then broke it wide open hitting four of its first five shots of the second half. French and McCusker each drilled 3’s in an 11-1 run that made it 56-28.

“That’s our team,” said Sabine. “We all can shoot and we all can score. If I feel pressure in the paint, I can just kick it out and know my guard can hit the 3.”

[email protected]