After a slow start to the game, the Stony Brook women’s basketball team came roaring back in the second half to defeat Albany 67-61. Jessica Smith scored 11 of her game-high 21 points in the second half, giving the Seawolves the offensive firepower they needed to overcome a first half double digit deficit.
Smith was one of three Seawolves who scored in double figures on Wednesday night. With the victory the Seawolves overall record improved to 17-10 and 13-2 in conference play, while the loss dropped Albany’s record to 8-20, 4-11. The win was the Seawolves sixth straight and 13th win in their last 14 contests.
‘We came out of the gates slow once again and turned the ball over too many times,’ said head coach Maura McHugh. ‘Jessica was terrific for us in the second half and I am pleased with how we recovered from our slow start and stepped up the defense intensity.’
Albany opened the game aggressively, and, as a result, they took an early 16-7 lead with 12:15 left in the first half. Charity Iromuanya nailed a three pointer with a little over eight minutes left in the half to put the Great Danes ahead, 21-11. Following a timeout, the Seawolves took the court with an intensity that had been missing from their play for the first 12 minutes of the game. With their passionate play on the defensive end of the court, the Seawolves were able to cut Albany’s lead in half.
Mykeema Ford sank a jump shot with 4:26 to play in the half which made the score 26-21. Over the next four minutes of play the Seawolves went on a 6-1 run to close out the half. This run was capped off by Morgan Patrick’s jumper from the key, which gave SB a 28-27 lead going into the intermission.
For the first 10 minutes of the second half the teams traded baskets and momentum as it appeared that neither squad could create any separation from the opposition.’ SB took a two point lead at 39-37 after a Dana Ferraro layup with 14:47 left in the contest. However, on the ensuing possession the Great Danes’, Sherri Mikus hit a shot from the paint that knotted the game at 39. With 4:43 showing on the clock, the Seawolves took a 58-54 lead following a Ferraro bucket.
A little over two minutes later the Seawolves took their biggest lead of the game, seven points, when Ford hit a pull-up jumper which virtually secured the victory. SB held on to their lead and won the game 67-61.
Smith was named America East co-player of the game for her performance. She had a game-high 21 points and 13 rebounds. Ford scored 16 and Leah Getz added 13 to the Seawolves’ total. Iromuanya scored a team-high 17 and was named America East co-player of the game for Albany.
SB’s next game is schedule for this Saturday, Mar. 3, when they will be facing off against Maine in the regular season finale. The seven seniors on the team will be honored prior to the game for their commitment to the team and the school over the past four years.
