The Stony Brook women’s basketball team emerged victorious in their regular season finale against Maine, 67-56. The win was the team’s 14th in their last 15 contests. For the senior players of the squad this game most likely marked the final time they will play at the Stony Brook University Arena.
Following a similar trend as of late, the Seawolves fell behind to the opposition early on in the contest and then was able to rally together in the second half and take home the win.
With the victory the Seawolves’ overall record improved to 18-10, and 14-2 in conference play. The 18 wins this season sets a new school record for America East wins which was previously 14, and the 14-2 record in conference play gave the Seawolves a second place finish in the conference standings. The loss dropped Maine to 13-14 overall, 7-9 in the conference.
‘This team showed a lot of resiliency this season and tonight was no different,’ said head coach Maura McHugh. ‘We got a full team effort and I’m proud to see the seniors go out on a high note at home.’
From the opening whistle to the closing whistle of the first half Maine appeared to be in control of the game. The team went 5-7 from behind the three point line, and shot 60 percent (12-20) from the field. The offensive onslaught gave Maine a 37-27 lead going into halftime.
Ashley Underwood had as perfect a first half as a player can have as she led all scorers with 18 points. She went 4-4 from the field, all of which were three-pointers, and 6-6 from the foul line. Senior Jessica Smith led the Seawolves in scoring at the intermission with eight points.
Within the first ten minutes of the second half the Seawolves displayed a passion to win that was nonexistent in the first twenty minutes of the game. Stony Brook capped off an 18-7 run in the first 9:11 of the half to take a 45-44 lead, their first of the game. Smith concluded the run with a mid-range jumpshot that put the Seawolves ahead.
The hot shooting of Maine died off as the team collectively only made six field goals in the entire half. The Seawolves extended their lead to seventeen with around six minutes to play in the game, and then held on to win 67-56.
Defense was Stony Brook’s biggest weapon in their victory over Maine, and has been the team’s biggest weapon over their last fifteen games. The Seawolves forced 29 turnovers during the game. Stony Brook also outscored Maine 40-19 and held their leading scorer, Underwood, to just three points on 1-8 shooting in the second half.
Prior to the start of the game the Seawolves recognized the seven seniors, Sabrina Thompson, Inbar Orion, Farah Vasquez-Jacobo, Leah Getz, Kelly Watson, Mykeema Ford and Jessica Smith, on the Stony Brook women’s basketball team.
Smith scored 16 points, had seven steals, and was named America East co-player of the game for the second straight game. Ford had 15 points, 11 of which came in the second half. Dana Ferraro had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Getz also added 13 points.
Despite the poor shooting in the second half, Underwood was still the game’s high scorer with 21 points and was named America east co-player of the game for Maine.
The Seawolves’ next game is this Friday at the Events Center in Birmingham when they will square off against UMBC in the America East tournament.