St. John’s (1-0) vs National Christian Academy (1-1)

<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="color: #993300"><strong><span style="font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal">St. John’s (1-0) vs National Christian Academy (1-1)</span></strong></span></span> SJC had an easy go in their first game against Holy Cross, this one was expected to be much tougher.  National Christian hit the road for their first couple of games splitting against two nationally ranked opponents. [caption id="attachment_19605" align="alignright" width="150"] Anissa Rivera[/caption] Back to back Azzi Fudd baskets set the tone in the opening quarter as she shot 100% from the field scoring 12 points outscoring the entire NCA team in the period.  Promise Cunningham and Anissa Rivera both hit 3 pointers for the Eagles as the trailed the Cadets 21-10 after the first period. [caption id="attachment_19606" align="alignleft" width="150"] Carley Rivera[/caption] The Eagles got a brief moment of relief with 5:12 remaining in the half as Fudd missed her first shot which they used the moment to score six straight points cutting the scoring to 23-16 before Carley Rivera banked a 3 to extend the lead once again.  NCA tightened up on defense and speeded up the pace which seemed to bother the Cadets a bit.  It appeared that they may have found an answer to Fudd’s onslaught until she knocked down a 3 pointer in the closing seconds to give the Cadets a 31-19 halftime lead.  Fudd led all scorers at the break with 15 points and Rivera had a really good half for NCA with 12 points at the break. [caption id="attachment_19609" align="alignright" width="150"] Carimina Tonedo[/caption] We were really anxious to see what adjustments coach Henry Anglin would make at the break as he’s known for his tactical in game moves.   SJC continued to roll in the second half as Carimina Tanedo hit a jumper to make the score 38-21.  NCA answered as Promise Cunningham hit her second 3 pointer of the game and Rivera hit her third.  However, as soon as the Eagles looked to creep back in Fudd went for 7 straight points ending with a buzzer beater from 3.  The final period began with a three pointer from Carley Rivera and a Fudd free throw to give St. John’s a 20 point lead.  The Eagles continued the fight but fell short as the Cadets win 64-44.   Azzi Fudd lead the game with 30 points and Anissa Rivera led the way for NCA with 18 points. After the game Azzi Fudd received the 2017-2018 Next Sports Phenom Player of the Year Award for her outstanding freshman season. [caption id="attachment_19610" align="alignnone" width="150"] Azzi Fudd NSP Player of the Year[/caption]