NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--The Smith College basketball team (7-2) will look to end the semester on a high note, when they close out the term with a trip to play the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (5-3) on Wednesday night.  Tip-off will be at 7 p.m.

Last Meeting: This is the first meeting between the schools in 14 years.  Smith improved to 10-4 with a 69-43 win over MCLA's previous incarnation, North Adams State University, on January 23, 1997.

Smith Overview: Since starting the season 6-0, the Pioneers have dropped two of three, including a tough 59-53 defeat to Trinity (Conn.) on Saturday afternoon.  Up 30-24, the Pioneers shot 26.7 percent (8-30) in the second half as the Bantams pulled away.

MCLA Overview: Last time out, MCLA lost to Hartwick College 71-59, snapping a three game winning streak which saw the Trailblazers defeat Maine-Fort Kent, Johnson State, and Union (N.Y.).  A potent offensive team, MCLA has hit the 80 point mark three times this season.

Smith Player to Watch: In her last two games, Ellie Giles (Charlottesville, Va./St. Annes Belfield) is averaging 12 points, seven rebounds, four blocked shots, and two steals.

MCLA Player to Watch: Alie Dobrovoic does it all for MCLA, leading the team in scoring (17.0 ppg) , rebounding (7.5 rpg), free throw shooting (39-47, 83 percent), and minutes played (30.1 mpg). 

Did you know? This is the second Smith opponent this year with the nickname "Blazers", after Elms College.