NORTHAMPTON - A balanced effort with four players in double-figures was a key factor in No. 3 Smith's 74-64 come-from-behind win over Bridgewater State University Saturday afternoon inside Ainsworth Gymnasium.
The Bears remain perfect at 10-0 on the year, while BSU dips to 1-9 on the year.
Bridgewater State took an early lead, fueled by Sophie Bradbury's two free throws at 9:16 and a three-pointer from Savannah Azoff at 5:53, extending their advantage to 10-2. Smith responded with a three-pointer by
Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest), assisted by
Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park), narrowing the gap to 13-7 at 5:04. Despite the Bears' efforts, Bridgitt O'Sullivan-Van Etten's late three-pointer with 9 seconds left solidified Bridgewater State's lead, ending the quarter at 20-13.
The Bears rallied in the second quarter against the visitors, overcoming a seven-point deficit to tie the score at 32-32 by halftime.
Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) provided crucial plays, including a fast-break layup at 1:32 and a tying layup with six seconds remaining. The Bears capitalized on Bridgewater St.'s turnovers, with
Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) and
Bre'Aria Cannon (Christiana, TN/Link Academy) contributing vital points in the paint. Despite Bridgewater State's attempts to maintain their lead, highlighted by Sophie Bradbury's three-pointer at 6:17 and Mairead Gallagher's layup at 15 seconds, Smith's strong defensive play and rebounding allowed them to close the gap by the end of the quarter.
The Bears extended their lead in the third quarter with a strong offensive performance, outscoring Bridgewater State 19-13.
Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) hit an early three-pointer, assisted by
Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park), to put the Bears ahead 35-34. Maher contributed significantly with two more three-pointers, including one at the 7:00 mark, extending the Bears' lead to 45-34. Bridgewater State responded with a three-pointer from Sophie Bradbury, narrowing the gap to 45-38. The Bears maintained control with contributions from
Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) and
Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran), closing the quarter with a 51-45 advantage.
Smith secured a decisive victory over Bridgewater St. in the final quarter, outscoring their opponent 23-19. Savannah Azoff opened the quarter with a three-pointer for Bridgewater St., narrowing the gap to 51-48. The Bears responded with a strong sequence, including a three-pointer from
Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park) at 7:39, extending their lead to 58-50.
Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) contributed significantly, scoring a three-pointer and a layup, while
Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) added four points from free throws. Despite a late push from BSU, Smith maintained their lead, sealing the game with two free throws by Maher with three seconds remaining, finalizing the score at 74-64.
Smith Top Performers
Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)
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- 15 points
- 9 rebounds
- 3 3-pointers
Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park)
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- 14 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 3 rebounds
Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett)
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- 12 rebounds
- 6 points
Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran)
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- 11 points
- 5 assists
- 4 steals
Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial)
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- 8 points
- 6/6 free throws made
- 4 rebounds
Up Next
Smith continues its home-stand on Tuesday, January 6 when the Bears host Hamilton College at 6:00pm.
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
