NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--The first of eight consecutive league games begins when the Smith College basketball team (9-1, 4-0 NEWMAC) plays host to Wellesley College (3-5, 2-2 NEWMAC) on Saturday afternoon.  Smith leads the all-time series 30-26, and the teams split last season's meetings, with both schools winning at home.


Last Meeting:  On Senior Day a season ago, Smith ended the regular season with a 68-54 win over Wellesley.  Paulina Solis (Santa Ana, Calif./Foothill) came off the bench to score a game high 16 points, connecting on all eight of her free throws.  Smith forced 26 turnovers, and limited Wellesley to 35% shooting.

Smith Overview:  The Pioneers opened the 2013 portion of their schedule with an 82-60 win over Westfield State in non-conference action on Wednesday evening.  Smith held a 50-45 advantage on the boards, and had assists on 21 of 33 baskets.  

Wellesley Overview: The Blue have alternated wins and losses in their last six games, including opening the New Year with a 59-52 defeat to Framingham State.  This is the first of four straight road games for Wellesley, who will play all but three of their January contests away from home.

Smith Player to Watch: Before the break, Lauren Weston (Florence, Mass./Northampton) had one of her best games of the year with eight points in 11 minutes against MCLA.  Against Westfield State, she kept the offense in sync with four assists.

Wellesley Player to Watch: Malia Maier leads the league with an average of nearly five assists per game, including nine against Framingham State.  Maier averages 35 minutes per game, and is in the top 10 of the NEWMAC in three point shooting.

Did you know? The Blue and Pioneers have do not have any common non-conference opponents.