NORTHAMPTON - Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove) scored a career-high 18 points to propel the second-ranked Smith College basketball team to a 74-41 win over the University of Hartford in the final game of the 34th Annual Tyler Tip-Off Tournament on Sunday afternoon at Ainsworth Gymnasium. The Bears (2-0) swarming defense forced 20 turnovers and scored 23 fast-break points. The Hawks dip to 1-1 to start the year.

 

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The game began with Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) connecting on a three-pointer, assisted by Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett), giving Smith an early lead. Johnson's impressive performance throughout the tournament earned her the Tournament MVP award. Hartford quickly responded, with Taryn Blevins scoring a three-pointer to level the score. In a back-and-forth first half of the quarter, both teams exchanged leads multiple times. Bre'Aria Cannon's (Christiana, TN/Link Academy) layup at 1:13 narrowed the gap for the Bears to 12-11, but a late three-pointer by Ella Marchesani, assisted by Allie Shenloogian, secured a 15-11 advantage for Hartford at the end of the first quarter.

The Bears dominated the second quarter, outscoring Hartford 22-6. Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) opened the scoring with a layup at 9:08, sparking Smith's offensive surge. Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) added two free throws at 8:27 to tie the game before Smith pulled ahead. Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove) and Johnson each contributed three-pointers, with Johnson assisting on multiple scoring plays, extending Smith's lead. Despite Hartford's efforts, including a late layup by Ava Naszimento, Smith maintained control, capitalizing on Hartford's turnovers and fast breaks.

The Bears extended their lead in the third quarter with a strong performance, highlighted by Cannon's three-pointer at 9:05, assisted by Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park), to set an early tone. Cannon's consistent play throughout the tournament earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Johnson added to the momentum with a fast-break three-pointer at the 7:30 mark, also assisted by Maher. Hartford struggled to keep pace, with Mackenzie Hohulin and Marchesani missing key three-point attempts, despite Naszimento's contributions with points in the paint. Smith capitalized on their defensive strength, resulting in zero turnovers and three steals, including a crucial one by Johnson at the 56-second mark, culminating in a 17-10 quarter advantage.

Smith outscored Hartford 24-10 in the final quarter to secure a dominant victory. Fongemie and Fleming were instrumental in extending Smith's lead, with Fongemie scoring consecutive layups early in the quarter and Fleming contributing with a three-pointer at 6:11. Nakamura played a key role with several assists and steals, including a crucial fast-break jumper at 4:15. Smith's defensive efforts, highlighted by multiple steals, limited Hartford's scoring opportunities and sealed the win. Fleming's three-pointer at 1:08 capped off the scoring, ensuring Smith's commanding performance concluded with a 74-41 victory.

The Bears shot 50% (28-of-56) from the floor, 60% (9-of-15) from three-point range and 90% (9-of-10) from the free throw line

Smith Top Performers  
Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove)  
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- 18 points  
- 4/4 3-pointers  
- 6/7 baskets made  

Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran)  
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- 10 points  
- 5 steals  
- 5 rebounds  

Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)  
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- 9 points  
- 3/5 3-pointers  
- 5 steals  

Up Next
Smith travels to UMass Dartmouth on Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00pm\

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log onto GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram