SALEM, VA. – Facing off against NYU in a reatch of the 2024 National Championship,  Smith College battled throughout but could not overcome NYU's efficient offense, falling 77-49 on Saturday at the Cregger Center in Salem, Virginia. The loss ends Smith's historic season with a 31-3 record.

NYU jumped out to a fast start, leading 26-8 after the first quarter, and never looked back. Smith fought to cut into the deficit, but the Violets' size and defensive pressure proved too much to overcome.

"Credit to NYU, they came out and played a really good first quarter in a lot of facets of the game," Smith head coach Lynn Hersey said. "As a team, we're mature enough to understand that they beat us in the first quarter. That was the game. Our group, I think we know what we needed to do to have a better result tonight and we fell short of that. That's something that we have to own, and we'll do it together. It's a good learning experience for all of us."

KEY PERFORMERS

• Ally Landau (Livingston, NJ) led Smith with 17 points, adding four rebounds and three steals.

• Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) contributed 13 points, hitting three three-pointers and grabbing six rebounds.

• Jane Loo (Saratoga, CA/Saratoga) finished with six points and three assists, providing a steady presence in the backcourt.

• Jazmyn Washington (Los Angeles, CA/Birmingham Community Charter) anchored the defense with five rebounds and two assists.

TURNING POINT

NYU's blistering first quarter set the tone, as they shot 61.1% from the field and forced Smith into early turnovers. 

The Pioneers hung tough with NYU in the second quarter, but they still found themselves down by 19 entering the final 20 minutes of action.

NYU maintained control with a balanced offensive attack and dominant rebounding, holding a 39-29 edge on the boards. Smith made small runs throughout the second half, but NYU responded each time to keep the game out of reach.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Smith shot 32.1% from the field and 36.4% from three.

• NYU held a 38-20 advantage in points in the paint.

• The Violets' defense forced 14 Smith turnovers, converting them into 26 points.

• Smith's bench contributed seven points, while NYU's reserves matched that total.

"Ally, [Jazmyn], Jane… these are people who have made such an impression in our program, and they deserve all of our love, all our attention," Hersey said. "We're going to give it to them tonight."

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.