BRUNSWICK, ME – Smith College delivered another commanding performance, using a dominant defensive effort in the second half to pull away from Gustavus Adolphus for a 61-50 victory on Saturday night at Morrell Gymnasium. With the win, the Pioneers secured their 30th victory of the season, proving once again why they are a force to be reckoned with. Smith advances to the Final Four for the third consecuetive year as they head down to Salem, VA next week. 

Despite a back-and-forth first half, Smith held a narrow 30-29 lead at the break. In the second half, Smith's defense suffocated Gustavus Adolphus, holding them to just 21 total points in the final two quarters and only six in the fourth. The Pioneers allowed zero points in the last four minutes of the game, slamming the door shut on any comeback attempt.

KEY PERFORMERS:

• Ally Landau (Livingston, NJ) was the engine for Smith's offense, scoring a game-high 22 points while adding nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
• Jazmyn Washington (Los Angeles, CA/Birmingham Community Charter) was nearly perfect from the floor, scoring 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, and made timely plays on both ends of the floor.
• Jane Loo (Saratoga, CA/Saratoga) filled the stat sheet with 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists, helping fuel Smith's second-half run.
• Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) provided a steady presence inside, contributing 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

TURNING POINT:

Leading by just one at halftime, Smith tightened up defensively and took control in the third quarter. The Pioneers outscored Gustavus Adolphus 17-15 in the period and continued to apply pressure into the fourth. As the game wound down, Smith's defense locked in, forcing rushed shots and turnovers. Gustavus Adolphus managed just one made field goal in the final five minutes, while the Pioneers executed on the offensive end to put the game out of reach.

Smith's largest lead of the night came at 61-50 with 42 seconds remaining, capping off a disciplined performance that saw them hold Gustavus Adolphus to just 11.1% from three-point range and force 16 turnovers.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• 42.3% – Smith's efficient field goal percentage, including 38.5% from three.
• 14-10 – The Pioneers' edge in points off turnovers, capitalizing on Gustavus Adolphus' mistakes.
• 6 – The number of points Gustavus Adolphus scored in the fourth quarter, their lowest in any period.

With their second straight strong defensive showing, the Pioneers continue to make their case as a dangerous team heading into the Final Four in Salem, Virginia. 

UP NEXT:

Smith will face a familair opponent in UW-Oshkosh, who they faced in the Sweet 16 last year in Morrell Gymnasium. Tip-off will be at 7:30 PM EST on Thursday, March 20th. Tickets for the game are on sale now using this link.

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 on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook, and  Instagram.