Binghamton N.Y. -- Amanda Ward poured in a game-high 17 points, including a go-ahead three-pointer with 32 seconds remaining, to lift #8 Albany to a 64-61 victory over #9 New Hampshire in the first round of the 2007 America East Women's Basketball Championship at the Events Center in Binghamton. The Great Danes advance to the semifinals to take on top-seeded Hartford.
Albany led 19-12 with 5:50 to play in the first half, before New Hampshire went on a 20-9 run to close out the half with a 32-28 lead. Before Ward’s go-ahead three-pointer, Albany’s only lead of the second half was a 42-40 advantage with 10:14 to go in the second half.
Ward led Albany with a game-high 17 points and also added seven rebounds. Albany won for just the second time in their past twelve contests. It was also their first win in the America East tournament since a 2004 quarterfinal win against Hartford. Also scoring in double figures for the Great Danes was junior forward Gia Sanders with 10 points.
New Hampshire was led by defensive player of the year, Whitney Edwards who tied a season-high with 16 points and also had five steals. Chrissy Hall was the other Wildcat scoring in double-figures with twelve points.
America East Players of the Game were Amanda Ward of Albany and Whitney Edwards of New Hampshire.