EMMITSBURG, Md. (February 29, 2024) – Trailing by five at halftime, Mount St. Mary's women's basketball put together a fantastic defensive stand against the Manhattan Jaspers. Conceding only 17 points in the final 20 minutes, the Mountaineers surged ahead and earned a 58-43 win.
Isabella Hunt picked up her fifth double-double this season, completing 10 points with 12 rebounds. The senior also led in steals with four.
Jessica Tomasetti had a game-high 18, and
Jada Lee enjoyed an all-around performance of 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The Mount improves to 12-15 (9-9 MAAC) while Manhattan now stands at 17-9 (10-7 MAAC).
Thursday's win marks the second time this year the Mount came back from behind at halftime, and the first since Bucknell on December 5.
Manhattan had 14 points and eight boards from Petra Juric along with 12 points from Ines Gimenez Monserrat.
By spreading the ball around, Manhattan was able to take the first quarter lead. Scoring the last six points of the frame, the Jaspers received points from six players. Lee and Tomasetti kept the Mountaineers within striking distance, trailing 15-11 after one. In the second quarter the Mount improved on their shooting and took the lead at the 21-19 mark on a Hunt layup. Manhattan countered with a 7-0 run to lead by five at the break.
After the teams exchanged three pointers to open the second half, Mount St. Mary's went on a 10-0 run to grab the lead and go up by five. They would maintain the advantage entering the fourth period. Defense – already doing a solid job in the first 30 minutes – clamped down on the Jaspers. While holding Manhattan scoreless until the 4:27 mark of the fourth, they connected on their first four shots on the other end to pull away.
With the victory, Mount St. Mary's needs one more win in their remaining two games or a single Iona loss to clinch sixth place for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament. Certain scenarios where the Mountaineers win out while other teams lose out could net fifth place and a bye in Atlantic City.
On Saturday, March 2, the Mount travels to Siena for its final regular season road game. Tip-off is at 5 p.m. from the UHY Center.
