SPARKILL, N.Y. — Senior forward Lucy Coogan (Kilkenny, Ireland) and junior guard Jah'Nel Lewis (Jersey City, N.J,) scored 17 of Caldwell's 20 fourth-quarter points as the visiting Cougars (5-1) their fifth straight victory, a gritty 51-48 triumph over STAC at Aquinas Hall in non-conference action on Sunday afternoon.
With CU trailing, 40-39, junior guard Neysa Aguilar (Middlesex, N.J.) made a three-pointer to give the Cougars the lead with 5:24 to play. A layup by Coogan with 2:37 to play put CU up four at 46-42, but the Spartans (1-5) twice fought to within a point in the final minute. But a layup by Lewis and two free throws by Coogan gave CU just enough points to hold off the challenge.
Coogan had game-highs of 17 points and nine rebounds, while Lewis posted 15 points and four steals. Junior Harmony Earth-Wiley (Southfield, Mich.) grabbed six rebounds in a winning effort.
STAC had opened up its largest lead of the game at 36-28 late in the third quarter, but a three-pointer by Coogan with six seconds left in the frame started he CU comeback. A three and two free throws by Lewis to start the fourth tied the game at 36, setting up the exciting finish.
Toni Schuetze had a team-best nine points for STAC.
The Cougars re-enter CACC play with road contests at Felician on Wednesday at 5:30 and Georgian Court on Saturday at noon.