The game started the same way it ended, with Stony Brook Women’s Basketball lighting up both sides of the court for the 67-37 victory over New Hampshire on Saturday, Feb. 16. This type of dominating victory has become normal for the Seawolves this season. They have reached 19 wins on the season, the most during the era led under head coach Caroline McCombs, 11 by a margin of at least 15 points.
Senior guard Jerell Matthews earned the first points of the game off a 3-pointer while redshirt-sophomore forward Oksana Gouchie-Provencher blocked the ensuing Wildcats possession. This type of hustle and determination is a defining characteristic of the success that the Seawolves have displayed throughout the season. By gaining their 19th victory of the season, the team has already eclipsed last season’s win total with at least four more games to go.
“It’s really exciting,” senior guard Shania “Shorty” Johnson said. “It’s good to see that we’re doing better this year and growing every chance we get.”
Johnson and Matthews led the team with 17 and 14 points respectively, both sinking two shots from three each. Sophomore forward McKenzie Bushee also reached double digits, scoring 10 points and getting four rebounds. Gouchie-Provencher let her defensive presence be felt with three blocks, improving to her team-leading 35 blocks this season.
Nine different Stony Brook players got on the score sheet, including 23 points scored by the bench.
We were able to create some offense from our defense as well,” McCombs said. “It was key for our bench to come in and give us great production today.”
Stony Brook also controlled other aspects of the game including rebounds and points in the paint. The Seawolves excelled at getting second chance points and finding easy opportunities down low inside.
The defense was at peak performance on Saturday, only giving up 37 points – the least amount of points surrendered this season. The defense only improved by the end of the game, allowing two made shots in the fourth quarter.
Stony Brook is now 11-3 on its home court and is a perfect 7-0 in non-conference play at the Island Federal Credit Union Arena. In those 11 home wins, the Seawolves are outscoring their opponents by an average margin of 20 points.
“It’s always special when you play at your home,” Johnson said. “It feels like home so your very comfortable when your playing.”
Stony Brook will take off on a three-game road stretch. The first of three will be against the Albany Great Danes on Wednesday, Feb. 20. at 7 p.m.
