Women's Basketball | 1/11/2024 3:06:00 PM

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher University women's basketball team continues its Empire 8 schedule over the coming days, hosting Houghton University on Friday before traveling to Utica next Tuesday. 
 
The Cardinals, winners of their last nine games, are a perfect 5-0 in Empire 8 play this year. 
 
Tip-off for Friday's home game is scheduled for 5:30, while Tuesday's road game is scheduled for 5:30 P.M. as well.
 
Here's what you need to know ahead of the games.
 
Last Time Out
The Cardinals excelled against Keuka on Tuesday, winning 87-41. The Cardinals dominated the game throughout, opening the night with a 17-0 run before ending the first quarter with a 27-2 lead. They increased that lead throughout the night until ending with the 46-point victory. A total of 13 Cardinals scored at least two points in the win.
 
Know Your Foes
Fisher is 35-5 all-time against Houghton, including 18-3 since Houghton joined the Empire 8 in the 2012-2013 season. Last year, they won both games against the Highlanders. This season, Houghton is tied with Fisher in the Empire 8 with a 5-0 conference record, but unlike Fisher is also undefeated overall, sitting at a 14-0 record. The Highlanders are led by Kayla Camacho, who is third in the conference with 15.5 points per game. 
 
The Cardinals are 63-17 all-time against Utica, including wins in both of last year's games and a 25-9 record since 2006. As of Wednesday, Jan. 10, the Pioneers are 4-8 overall and 1-2 in conference play. Their leading scorer is Vanessa Hall, who leads the entire Empire 8 with 17.2 points per game.
 
Kruszka For Three!
Senior guard Claire Kruszka has been one of Fisher's best weapons from behind the arc, leading the team with 26 total three-pointers and a .406 three-point percentage that is the highest of any Cardinal to play at least 10 games this season. Her 1.9 three-pointers per game average is third in the conference.
 
Players To Watch
Defense will be important against the unbeaten Highlanders, so look for Kruszka (the conference leader in steals per game, with 3.1) and freshman forward Joleen Lusk (first in conference in defensive rebounds per game with 5.8 and third in the conference in blocks per game, with 1.6) to try and stymie Houghton on Friday. 
 
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