Andersen's second-half shooting lifts Floyd

Jackie Andersen hasn't been the type of point guard to hoist up many shots. The Floyd junior often is content to distribute the ball.

But with Floyd starving for offense last night after an 11-point first half, Andersen began shooting - and showed why the coaching staff has urged her to do that more.

Andersen scored 14 of her career-high 16 points in the second half for visiting Floyd in a 42-39 win over Commack in Suffolk League I.

"She really stepped up for us," coach Bob O'Driscoll said. "We've been talking to her all year about that. She has had trouble with consistency in big spots. I think she got over that hump. She doesn't take as many shots as we want her to take."

With leading scorer Monique Walker limited to seven points, Floyd needed someone else to supply the offense. Andersen did so, especially in the third quarter.

Floyd (12-5, 7-4) had only two field goals in the first half and trailed 19-11. But Andersen scored 11 points in a 20-9 third quarter, including three three-pointers, that gave Floyd a 31-28 lead it never relinquished.

"Jackie's been shooting really well," Floyd's Lushanta Savadel said. "She doesn't shoot a lot. She likes to dump it, which is a good thing, too, but we need her to shoot."

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Andersen said the offense flowed better in the second half because of better ball movement, enabling her to get open looks.

"When I know they're going in, I keep shooting," Andersen said. "I felt it and just kept shooting."

Commack got to within one point early in the fourth, but Andersen hit a three-pointer with 4:45 left to make it 38-30. Colleen Walker (11 points) scored on a putback to pull Commack within 41-39 with 13 seconds left before Savadel (11 points, 14 rebounds) hit a free throw with 11 seconds remaining.

Commack (8-8, 4-7) had one last chance, but Nicole Hagenah (11 points) missed a three-pointer with three seconds left.

The loss ended Commack's quest for a postseason berth. Commack needed to win its final two games to reach .500.

Floyd already had clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2005, but the Colonials are playing for seeding purposes. "It was very big because we really want a home game," Savadel said.

Added O'Driscoll: "We made the playoffs, but we want to get a decent seed and hopefully get a home game. We don't want to match up with one of the powerhouses in the first round."