Vestal, NY- In the first round of the America East Tournament, UMBC took advantage of a poor first-half shooting performance by Stony Brook (SB) and slipped by 67-64. SBU did eventually find their stroke after shooting 37% in the first to connect on four 3-pointers in the final two minutes. UMBC countered by sinking 12 of 14 free throws and narrowly outlasted the second ranked Seawolves.
In both the previous meetings this season, SBU soundly beat UMBC. Combined with their seven game winning streak coming into the tournament, SBU was looking to advance to the championship game and a possible bid for the NCAA tournament. The loss was only SBU’s second in their last 16 games and gives them 18-11 record on the season. UMBC moved on to the second round with a 14-16 record on the season, where they would also upset Vermont to reach the championship round.
The Seawolves rode a hot start to a 21-10 lead, with Jessica Smith’s working inside for three layups, along with the outside shooting of Dana Ferraro, Kelly Watson and Leah Getz. SBU’s scoring would slow down, however, as UMBC turned up their play on both ends and tied the game up at the 3:48 mark. Overall, the Seawolves shot 36% shooting, UMBC connected for over half their shots in the first half.
SBU entered the second half down 33-27, but would come back to tie the game up off a 6-0 spurt. The Seawolves would go up 41-39 before the Retrievers would tie and eventually take the lead back, this time for good. The final minutes of the game were highlighted by Mykeema Ford’s three triples from downtown that were still not enough to close in on UMBC.
The Seawolves had four players in double figures, with Smith scoring 19 points and collecting seven rebounds. Recently named Conference Player of the Year, Ford scored 17 points along with two steals. Ferraro and Watson would each score 10 points for SBU.
UMBC was led by Brittnie Hughes’ 21 points and 7 rebounds, along with Amanda Robinson (15 points, 8 boards) and Sharri Rohde (17 points, 4 assists).
By the time of print, it is unsure whether the Seawolves will qualify for an NIT berth for the second year in a row. Should Hartford win the conference Championship against UMBC this Sunday, SBU will receive an automatic place among the 48 NIT teams chosen. If Hartford loses, then they drop down to the NIT, while the Seawolves remain at home, unless Hartford is given an at-large NCAA bid.
