BOSTON - The sixth-ranked Smith College basketball team defeated Emerson College (12-10, 3-5 NEWMAC), 73-41, fueled by a dominant third quarter where it outscored the Lions 30-11. The Bears, who forced 23 turnover, improve to 21-1 on the year and a perfect 8-0 in conference play.

The game began with the Bears taking an early lead as Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) hit a jumper at 9:15. The Lions responded with a three-pointer by Lindsay Gould and extended its advantage with another three-pointer from at 6:02, making it 11-4. The Bears fought back with Virginia Johnson's (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) layup at 4:46, reducing the deficit to 13-6. Smith continued to chip away, with Johnson hitting a crucial three-pointer at 2:10, closing the gap to 17-11. Despite a late layup by Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany), Emerson ended the first quarter leading 17-13.

The Lions started strong in the second quarter with Bri Frongillo hitting a three-pointer at 9:07, assisted by Claire English, extending their lead to 20-13. The Bears responded with Hannah Martin's (North Andover, MA/North Andover) jumper at 6:57, narrowing the gap to 20-15. Fongemie contributed significantly for the Bears, scoring a layup at 5:20 and later a jumper at 3:56, bringing the score to 22-20. Emerson's Sofia Canter answered with a three-pointer at 2:56, assisted by Elise Arnold, pushing their lead to 25-20. Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) closed the quarter strong for Smith with a bucket at 2:09, ending the quarter with the Lions ahead 25-22.

Smith dominated the third quarter, turning a one-point deficit into a commanding lead over Emerson. Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany) initiated the scoring for Smith with two layups within the first minute, pushing the Bears ahead 26-25. Fongemie added a three-pointer at 7:44, and Martin contributed with consistent scoring in the paint, including a layup at 6:23 to extend the lead. Virginia Johnson's (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) back-to-back three-pointers, the latter coming at 4:44, expanded Smith's advantage to 42-31. The Bears continued their offensive surge and ended the quarter up 52-36.

Smith maintained control in the fourth, outscoring the Lions 21-5 to secure a decisive victory. Johnson was instrumental, hitting two 3-pointers, the first at 7:04 with an assist from Hackney, and the second at 4:46, assisted by Fongemie. Hackney also contributed significantly with multiple layups, one at 3:58 and another at 3:32, both assisted by Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park). Bre'Aria Cannon (Christiana, TN/Link Academy) capped off the scoring with a three-pointer at 0:44, assisted by Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove). Emerson struggled offensively, managing only one field goal, a three-pointer by Silk early in the quarter.

Smith Top Performers
Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)  
----------------------  
- 17 points  
- 11 rebounds  
- 5 3-pointers  

Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany)  
----------------------  
- 15 points  
- 8 rebounds  
- 3 assists  

Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep)  
----------------------  
- 12 points  
- 2 steals  
- 5 field goals made  

Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover)  
----------------------  
- 12 points  
- 4 assists  
- 8 rebounds  

Up Next
Smith plays its final home game of the regular season on Saturday, February 14 against WPI. The Bears will recognize its two seniors Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park) and Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) prior to the game. 

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