NORTHAMPTON — The third-ranked Smith basketball team provided a defensive gem Tuesday afternoon against Husson University, as the Bears shut down the Eagles offense and forced 23 turnovers in a 106-36 win inside Ainsworth Gymnasium. 

Smith (8-0) started the game with a strong performance, holding Husson (4-4) scoreless in the first quarter. Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park) led Smith's early offensive push by scoring eight consecutive points, including two 3-pointers, within the first few minutes. Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) added to the lead with a three-pointer at the 2:11 mark, extending Smith's advantage. The quarter concluded with Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany) sinking two free throws with 10 seconds remaining, solidifying a 23-0 lead for Smith. Husson struggled to find their rhythm, missing all 12 of their field goal attempts and committing six turnovers.

The Bears capitalized on a strong offensive performance in the second quarter to widen their lead over the Eagles. Uta Nakamura's (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) quick succession of layups, including one at 9:13 assisted by Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove), set the tone early. Johnson contributed significantly with a three-pointer at 4:28 and later secured an offensive rebound to score another three-pointer as time expired, bringing Smith's total to 54 points. Despite Husson's efforts, including a three-pointer by Saige Evans at 2:44, Smith maintained control, ending the quarter with a 54-19 advantage.

Smith dominated the third quarter with a strong offensive performance, outscoring Husson 26-12. Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) and Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) contributed significantly, each scoring crucial layups to maintain the lead. Smith's Nakamura closed the quarter with a series of decisive plays, including a layup at the 27-second mark and another at the final buzzer, bringing the score to 80-31. The Eagles struggled to keep up, with Laela Martinez and Evans providing some scoring but unable to shift the momentum.

In the fourth quarter, Smith dominated, outscoring Husson 26-5. Ella Andrews (Boxford, MA/Dexter Southfield) contributed significantly with early points, including a layup at 8:55 that extended Smith's lead to 83-31. Jillian Nowicki (San Diego, CA/Our Lady of Peace) added to the offensive surge, scoring a jumper and a layup within a minute, with assists from Nakamura. Alina Abdulina (Moscow, Russia/Hoosac School) also made key plays, hitting a three-pointer at 6:36 and securing defensive rebounds. Husson struggled offensively, missing all 15 field goal attempts in the quarter and scoring solely from free throws.

Game Notes

• Smith's 106 points are a season-high and most dating back to the 2023 season when they scored 110 against Keene State on November 11
• The Bears stifling defense limited Husson to 19.3% (11-of-57) shooting from the field and 16.1% (5-of-31) from three-point range
• Uta Nakamura's (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) 19 points were a career-high
• The Bears 8-0 record is its best start since the 2020 season

Up Next
Smith closes out 2025 against TCNJ on December 31 at 4:00pm

Smith Top Performers

Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran)
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- 19 points
- 8/9 field goals made
- 4 assists
- 2 steals

Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)
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- 11 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 10 rebounds
- 4 steals

Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett)
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- 9 points
- 8 rebounds
- 2 assists

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