SALEM, VA. – In a gritty, back-and-forth battle, Smith College found a way to close strong, using a clutch fourth-quarter performance to defeat Wis.-Oshkosh 49-47 on Thursday night at the Cregger Center. With the win, the Pioneers improved to 31-2 on the season, advancing to the National Championship, with a rematch with NYU awaiting. 

The game was tight throughout, with neither team leading by more than six points at any time. Smith held a narrow 14-9 edge after the first quarter, but a low-scoring second frame saw Oshkosh claw back to take a 23-22 halftime lead. The teams continued to trade baskets in the third, setting up a dramatic finish in the final period.

KEY PERFORMERS

• Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) led Smith with 18 points, knocking down a crucial three-pointer and converting key free throws in crunch time.
• Jane Loo (Saratoga, CA/Saratoga) added 13 points, shooting an efficient 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.
• Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) provided a spark with 8 points, including two timely three-pointers.
• Ally Landau (Livingston, NJ) contributed across the board with 6 points and 8 rebounds, helping Smith control the tempo late.

TURNING POINT

Trailing 36-33 entering the fourth quarter, Smith showed its resilience. The Pioneers quickly regained the lead on back-to-back scores from Landau and Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) before Martin took over down the stretch. With the score tied at 45-45 in the final two minutes, Martin buried a deep three to push Smith ahead. From there, a critical defensive stand and composed free-throw shooting helped seal the win for Smith. 

BY THE NUMBERS

• Smith shot 35.3% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range (6-for-17).
• The Pioneers forced 13 Oshkosh turnovers, capitalizing for 6 points off turnovers.
• Oshkosh struggled from deep, shooting just 2-for-22 (9.1%) from three-point range.

UP NEXT

Smith returns to the National Championship for the second time in a row. They will face off against NYU in the National Championship game on Saturday March 22nd, which again will be streamed on ESPN+. 

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.