BOSTON – It was an exciting first night of action as the top four seeds in last year’s Jersey Mike's Playoffs all secured victories on Thursday evening. For a preview of Saturday’s contest be sure to check out the bottom of our recap.
Vermont 67, New Hampshire 58 – Box Score
The Wildcats had the Catamounts on the ropes early, taking an 18-14 lead after the first quarter, but UVM tied it up 34-34 by halftime. Thanks to some excellent play from its bench, the Catamounts were able to extend their lead in the third and hold on for the victory. UVM got 25 points from its bench, including ten points apiece from Kiera Hanson and Andjela Matic. Breezie Williams posted 16 points and two assists for UNH in the loss.
Maine 55, UMass Lowell 43 – Box Score
It was the River Hawks who grabbed the 19-18 lead after the opening 10 minutes. The Black Bears responded by outscoring UMass Lowell 31-14 over the next two quarters to put the game away. Adrianna Smith was a force inside to the tune of 23 points and 15 rebounds for her league-leading 10th double-double of the season, while Anne Simon was in double figures with 12 points and seven rebounds.
UMBC 70, Binghamton 55 – Box Score
The Retrievers jumped out to a 15-9 lead and scored 23 more points in the second quarter to take control of the contest 38-25 at halftime. UMBC kept it rolling over the final 20 minutes to conclude with the 15-point victory. Anna Blount paced a balanced scoring attack with 12 points and seven rebounds while Jaliena Sanchez chipped in 12 points, five rebounds and two assists.
UAlbany 69, Bryant 50 – Box Score
It was the Bulldogs who came out firing, taking an early 9-4 lead over UAlbany. However, the Great Danes outscored Bryant 29-8 over the next 15 minutes to take control of the contest. UAlbany’s lead climbed as high as 26 before finishing with the 19-point victory. Freshman Mia Mancini scored 17 points for Bryant while Kayla Cooper led the Great Danes with 18 points and four rebounds.
Saturday, Jan. 6
Vermont at Maine – 1 PM
The Catamounts look to extend their conference win streak to 19 games on the road at Maine on Saturday. Vermont swept the season series last season, though the Black Bears had won 10 straight against the Catamounts prior to last year. The contest features four former first-team all-conference performers, in Anna Olson, Emma Utterback, Anne Simon and Adrianna Smith, as well as two of the strongest defenses in the league.
NJIT at UAlbany – 2 PM
The Highlanders begin conference play on the road, facing a team which hasn’t lost in over a month. NJIT is 8-5 this season and has won three straight games, while allowing less than 55 points in each of those contests. However, the Great Danes have won eight straight and Kayla Cooper was dominant in the conference opener with 18 points. UAlbany swept NJIT last season, winning both games by at least ten points.
New Hampshire at UMass Lowell – 2 PM
Both the Wildcats and River Hawks are coming off losses as neither could find consistency on offense. UNH did get 16 points from Breezie Williams in its loss and at it dropped to 6-8 this season. UMass Lowell, meanwhile, fell to 0-13 overall, though freshman Gabby Ross came off the bench to score ten points against Maine. The two teams split the season series last year with each winning on the road.
UMBC at Bryant – 2 PM
The Retrievers look to make it two straight road victories to open conference play when they travel to Rhode Island. UMBC scored a league-best 70 points on Thursday, while the Bulldog offense managed just 50 points. Mia Mancini was the only player to reach double figures, with 17 points for Bryant, while UMBC had three score at least ten points. Last season UMBC earned the sweep, though both games were decided by less than ten points.
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