HAMDEN, Conn. (February 15, 2024) – Mount St. Mary's women's basketball pieced together successful scoring runs and locked in on the defensive end all game long, earning a hard fought 54-45 victory over Quinnipiac Thursday evening. The win is the team's third straight and brings them to an even 7-7 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play. Thursday's triumph is also the 10
th overall win for the Mount this year.
Three Mountaineers posted double figures, with
Isabella Hunt and
Jada Lee sharing a team-high 14 points. Hunt added her fourth double-double of the year by adding 13 rebounds. Lee finished with six boards, three assists and a pair of steals.
Jessica Tomasetti finished the contest on 12 points.
Giana Hoddinott came off the bench and scrapped for five rebounds, a new career high.
By staying aggressive, the Mount was able to overcome a game where the competition forced 19 giveaways and took 12 more field goal attempts. Getting to the rim drew contact and fouls, allowing for 20 free throw attempts, the most for the Mount since their win at FDU back in November. Rebounding margin was also in the positive as the Mountaineers grabbed 40 boards to Quinnipiac's 33.
The Bobcats (10-13, 7-7 MAAC) received 15 points from Anna Foley and a 10 rebound effort off the bench by Kassidy Thompson. Quinnipiac ended the game scoring 32 percent and struggled from long range, going 4-for-21 on threes.
In terms of the MAAC standings, Mount St. Mary's holds sixth place and the tiebreaker with Quinnipiac after sweeping the season series.
Quinnipiac scored the first five points of the contest, but the Mount rallied to tie quickly. With a three-pointer at the 10-8 mark, the visitors went up and managed to stay ahead. They extended the lead to nine at two junctions, one at the end of the first quarter and another at the beginning of the second. A cold spell approaching halftime forced the Mountaineers to rely on their defense, riding to a 26-20 score at the break.
Driving into the lane and drawing contact helped the Mount maintain a lead in the third. Four makes from the floor and four more at the line led to a 38-33 score entering the final period. Quinnipiac was able to cut the game down to three early in the fourth, but a big Tomasetti three-pointer kicked off a 7-0 run as Lee added foul shots and
Tessa Engelman threw up a hook shot that found the bottom of the net. The outburst proved to be enough as the lead hovered around 9-12 points the rest of the way.
Returning to Knott Arena Saturday (Feb. 17), the Mountaineers host MAAC leader Fairfield. Tip-off is at 2 p.m.
