The Best Play: In its 44-42 home victory over Rich Central on Tuesday night, Mother McAuley needed a key steal to make up for its inability to make free throws down the stretch. With 12 seconds to play, the Mighty Macs led 43-42, but missed a free throw, giving Rich Central the chance to take the lead. Sophomore forward Sydney McPhillips, however, came up with a huge steal in the backcourt after Mother McAuley pressured Rich Central.

Stats Pack: Rich Central, known for its full-court pressure and traps, was less enthusiastic with its pressure Tuesday night. Mother McAuley did a good job handling the ball, as the Macs had just 10 turnovers. Rich Central coach Bryan Craig said he’ll continue to ease up on the press because he has only a 7-to-8-girl rotation.

The JV Score: Mother McAuley defeated Rich Central 57-17 in the JV game. The Mighty Macs led 26-10 at halftime and pulled away for good in the third quarter. Lauren Carlson led Mother McAuley with 13 points, while Sade Reed had seven points for Rich Central.

A Look Ahead: Rich Central hosts Rich South on Thursday. While the match-up is a Southland Athletic Conference game, Craig is more concerned with preparing his team for the playoffs as the Olympians can no longer win the conference. Forward Chaz Duson, who was out Tuesday, is expected to be back in the line-up.

Mother McAuley starts the GCAC conference tournament next Monday with a matchup against St. Ignatius at Loyola Academy. While the Mighty Macs lost against St. Ignatius in the regular season, Coach Karen Ade is more confident in her team this time around. “We’re a different team now than I think we were when we played them last time. Ever since Christmas, we’re a completely better team.”

Hot Links: Miss Something? Read Girls Basketball: Siwek Powers Mother McAuley to Victory over Rich Central and Sophomore Guard Growing Up Fast for Mother McAuley