LEWISTON, ME - The Smith College basketball team fell to Bates College (26-3) in overtime, 74-70, after leading by as many as 18 points in the second half. Junior Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) poured in 19 points with six rebounds and three assists, while Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) posted another double-double with 13 points and 13 boards.

The Bears see their season come to an end with an overall record of 28-2.

The first quarter began with back-and-forth scoring, but the Bears established an early advantage with effective shooting and defensive rebounds. Martin contributed significantly with a jumper at 8:44, tying the score at 2-2, and later capitalized on a technical foul at 1:57, extending the Bears' lead with free throws. Virginia Johnson's (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) defensive rebound at the last second capped a quarter where the Bears led 17-10. 

The Bears extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring Bates 22-13. Johnson made a significant impact with a defensive rebound and promptly assisted Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) for a fast break layup at 9:11. Johnson continued her stellar performance by scoring a layup at 8:31 and a three-pointer at 7:32. Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park) also contributed crucial points, including a three-pointer at 5:28 that established the Bears' largest lead of the quarter, 30-12. Bates responded with key baskets from Ava James and Sophie Spolter, but the Bears maintained control with effective scoring, including a jumper by Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) with 2:11 left and went into the half ahead 39-23.

The Bobcats scored back-to-back buckets to start the third before a layup by Williams. A 7-0 run midway through the third put the Bears up 48-34 at the 5:05 mark, but Bates chipped away and got it to a 10-point game under a minute to go before Johnson's bucket to close out the period.

In the fourth quarter, Bates mounted a strong comeback effort, closing a significant gap with a 17-5 advantage over the Bears. Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) provided an early highlight for the Bears with a three-pointer at 9:02, assisted by Hackney, extending their lead to 13 points. However, Bates responded with a series of successful plays, including a layup by Petra Kuncz at 9:29 and a key jumper by Sophie Spolter at 6:46. Bates' Mya Hicks tied the game with a three-pointer at 0:36, setting the stage for a tense final minute. Despite the Bears' efforts, the quarter ended with the score tied at 60-60.

In overtime, Bates secured a 74-70 victory over the Bears. The period saw back-and-forth scoring, with Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) initially putting the Bears ahead 62-60 with a jumper at 4:18. The Bobcats responded, taking control with a layup and free throw from Elsa Daulerio, followed by a three-pointer from Mya Hicks, extending their lead to 69-64. Despite a late three-pointer and free throw by Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest), Bates held their ground, with Sarah Hughes sealing the game with two free throws at the 0:01 mark.

Smith Top Performers  
Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)  
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- 13 points  
- 13 rebounds  
- 2 steals  

Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover)  
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- 19 points  
- 6 rebounds  
- 3 assists  

Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial)  
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- 11 points  
- 9 rebounds