NORTHAMPTON - The Smith College basketball bounced back with a convincing 87-36 win over Mount Holyoke College Wednesday evening inside Ainsworth Gymnasium. The Bears (15-1, 2-0 NEWMAC) hit a season-high 17 three-pointers and outrebounded the Lyons (3-12, 0-2 NEWMAC) 42-24.

Smith took an early lead in the first quarter, bolstered by a series of successful three-pointers. Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) and Shea Montague (Amesbury, MA/Central Catholic) each contributed to the scoring, with Montague hitting a trey at 9:22, assisted by Nakamura. Jillian Nowicki (San Diego, CA/Our Lady of Peace) also played a key role, adding a three-pointer of her own at 4:14. The Lyons struggled to keep up, with Taryn White scoring a layup at 2:40, but Smith maintained control with strong defense and efficient shooting, ending the quarter ahead 24-9.

Smith demonstrated strong offensive momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Mount Holyoke 19-6. Nakamura opened with a three-pointer at 9:25, assisted by Montague. Nowicki contributed from long distance at 8:57, assisted by Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove), who also added a three-pointer of her own at 6:17. Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) and Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) both scored from inside the paint, with Johnson hitting a fast-break jumper at 2:18. Despite multiple attempts, the Lyons struggled to find the basket, with Ania McMichael scoring their only field goals.

The Bears maintained control in the third quarter, outscoring Mount Holyoke 27-17 to extend their lead. Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park) started the scoring spree with a three-pointer at 8:13, and Johnson followed with multiple key baskets, including a trey at 7:20 with an assist from Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial). Williams got involved throughout the quarter with a combination of layups and assists. Mount Holyoke's McMichael hit a three-pointer as the clock expired, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. Smith's balanced attack, featuring strong defensive plays and efficient shooting, kept the Lyons at bay throughout the period.

Smith secured a decisive victory over Mount Holyoke in the final quarter, outscoring the visitors 17-4. Montague contributed significantly with a three-pointer at 7:48, followed by a layup at 6:54, both times assisted by Nowicki. Bre'Aria Cannon (Christiana, TN/Link Academy) was active on both ends, collecting defensive rebounds and contributing offensively with a jumper at 5:22. The Lyons struggled with accuracy, missing all 17 field-goal attempts in the quarter, while the Bears' defensive efforts were highlighted by five blocks, including two from Samara Ashooh (Shelburne, VT/Champlain Valley Union).

Smith Top Performers  
Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park)  
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- 11 points  
- 3 3-pointers  
- 2 steals  

Shea Montague (Amesbury, MA/Central Catholic)  
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- 14 points  
- 4 3-pointers  
- 2 steals  

Bre'Aria Cannon (Christiana, TN/Link Academy)  
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- 8 points  
- 11 rebounds  

Jillian Nowicki (San Diego, CA/Our Lady of Peace)  
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- 12 points  
- 3 3-pointers  
- 5 assists  

Up Next
Smith heads to Newport, RI for a matchup with Salve Regina on Saturday, January 24 at 1:00pm

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