Binghamton, N.Y.-- Junior Courtney Gomez scored a career-high 13 points as No. 1 Hartford beat No. 4 Binghamton, 56-46, on Saturday night. With the win, Hartford advances to its third-straight championship game. The Hawks will play No. 7 UMBC, who defeated Vermont in the first semifinal of the evening, on Sunday at 5 p.m.
Hartford (24-7) opened the game on a 9-0 run, and Binghamton (12-19) would never come closer than four points, as they trailed at halftime, 26-22. It was the sixth win in a row for Hartford over Binghamton. The Hawks are looking to win their third-consecutive America East championships, a feat which has not been accomplished since Maine won four straight titles from 1995-1998.
Gomez shot 3-of-4 from the three-point line and sank all four of her free throws on the way to her career-high 13 points. The Hawks had two other players in double-figures, as Katie Kelly and Danielle Hood each scored 12 points.
The Bearcats, who were unable to come back from a double-digit deficit for the second straight game, were led by Laura Sario’s 13-point performance. No other Bearcat scored in double-figures.
Hartford scored 24 points off of 17 Binghamton turnovers.
America East Players of the game were Katie Kelly of Hartford and Laura Sario of Binghamton