NORTHAMPTON - The third-ranked Smith College basketball team left no doubt in its convincing 78-45 win over MIT on Wednesday evening inside Ainsworth Gymnasium with a commanding 44 points in the paint and 52 points from the bench. The Bears improve to 7-0 for the first time since the 2019-20 season, while the Engineers dip to 3-6 on the year. 



Smith took an early advantage in the first quarter against MIT, leading 20-9 by the end. Ruth Lanouette put MIT on the board with a layup just four seconds into the game, but the Bears quickly responded with a jumper from Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park) at 8:11. Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) was instrumental for the home team, contributing nine points, including a 3-pointer at 1:28, and a fast-break jumper in the final seconds. Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove) also added a 3-pointer and a layup, helping the team establish a solid lead. MIT's Olivia Joseph hit a 3-pointer at 3:00, but the Bears' strong defense and efficient scoring in the paint proved decisive.

The Bears extended their lead significantly in the second quarter, outscoring MIT 22-12. Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) was instrumental, contributing with a jumper at the 7:43 mark and a 3-pointer later on. Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) capitalized on a fast break, scoring a layup with 4:17 remaining, assisted by Johnson. Fongemie added to Smith's dominance with crucial points inside the paint, including a layup with 2:39 left. MIT's efforts included a 3-pointer by Rachael Zacks early in the quarter, but turnovers hindered their momentum.

Smith College extended their lead in the third quarter with a strong performance in the paint, outscoring the Engineers 19-11. Fongemie contributed early with consecutive free throws, while Johnson's defensive efforts included two steals and a key layup at 7:42. Fleming scored back-to-back layups, extending the Bears' advantage to 54-23 at 6:02. Despite a late 3-pointer from MIT's Riley O'Sullivan, the Bears maintained control, closing the quarter with a 61-32 lead after Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) added a free throw with 14 seconds remaining.

The Bears maintained their lead in the final quarter to secure a decisive victory over MIT. A fast-paced exchange early in the period saw Lanouette score on a fast break for the visitors at 9:01, only for Nakamura to respond with a layup for the Bears at 8:35. Smith extended their lead with Shea Montague (Amesbury, MA/Central Catholic) hitting a 3-pointer at 7:56, assisted by Fleming. Despite MIT's April Chan reducing the gap with a jumper at 6:03, Smith's consistent scoring, including a 3-pointer from Montague at 4:47, kept them ahead. Smith's defense was solid, with Bre'Aria Cannon (Christiana, TN/Link Academy) contributing a block and several key rebounds, as they closed out the quarter with a 17-13 advantage.

Smith Top Performers
Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep)
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- 21 points
- 8/9 field goals made
- 4/4 free throws made

Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove)
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- 11 points
- 3 steals
- 5/10 field goals made

Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)
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- 9 points
- 4 steals

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


Up Next
Smith is off until the Bears host the Holiday Tournament on Tuesday, December 30 at 2:00pm against Husson. 

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