NORTHAMPTON —The top-seed Smith College basketball team rallied from a 13-point first quarter deficit and prevailed 80-59 Wednesday evening over No. 8 seed Emerson (14-12) in NEWMAC Quarterfinal action at Ainsworth Gymnasium.

The Bears (25-1) survive and advance to host the No. 5 seed Springfield College Pride in the NEWMAC Semifinals Friday at 7:00pm. Tickets are available here. 

The game commenced with the Lions establishing an early lead, as Lindsay Gould scored a three-pointer at the 9:28 mark. Emerson's Bri Frongillo contributed significantly to the visitor's scoring with three 3-pointers, extending their advantage. Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) responded with a layup at 8:33, assisted by Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover), but the home team struggled to close the gap. Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany) provided some momentum for the Bears with a layup followed by a successful free throw at 2:12, narrowing the score to 19-9. However, Emerson's Kaylin O'Meara quickly countered with a layup, maintaining their lead. The first quarter concluded with a fast-break layup by Martin, yet the Bears trailed 21-11.

Smith took control in the second quarter with an efficient offensive display, outscoring the Lions 26-6. Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) set the tone early with a jumper at 9:48, assisted by Martin. Johnson contributed with a layup at 4:00, assisted by Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran), to push the Bears ahead. Martin capped off the quarter with a three-pointer at the buzzer, assisted by Johnson, extending Smith's lead. The Bears' defense was equally impressive, limiting the Lions to just two field goals and forcing multiple turnovers to head into halftime up 37-27.

Smith pulled away from Emerson with a strong third quarter, outscoring the visitors 23-13. Johnson led the charge for the Bears, opening up with a jumper at 7:21 before sinking a 3-pointer at 6:46. Williams added a layup at 5:26 before Emerson's Gould managed to sink a three-pointer at 9:32 and another late in the quarter at 2:35, but it was not enough to close the gap. Nakamura capped off the period with a three-pointer as time expired, putting Smith ahead 60-40.

The Bears maintained their lead in the fourth quarter, securing an 80-59 victory over the Lions. Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) contributed early with a layup at 9:22, assisted by Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep), extending the home team's advantage. Emerson's Gould responded with a three-pointer at 7:37, but Smith's consistent scoring, including layups from Johnson and Martin, kept the pressure on. Alina Abdulina's (Moscow, Russia/Hoosac School) fast-break layup, assisted by Nakamura with 23 seconds remaining, capped the scoring for the hosts, ensuring a decisive win.

Smith shot 55% from the floor and 66.7% from three-point range. The Lions went 22-of-55 from the field and 13-of-38 from long distance. The Bears outrebounded Emerson 29-21 and scored 31 points off 22 turnovers from the visitors. 

Smith Top Performers
Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)
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- 19 points  
- 5 rebounds  
- 4 assists  

Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover)
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- 13 points  
- 3 3-pointers  
- 4 assists  

Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran)
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- 11 points  
- 5 steals  
- 7 rebounds  

Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial)
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- 12 points  
- 3 steals  
- 3 assists  

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 GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook, and  Instagram.