Breaking: Adrianna Smith earns 10th America East Player of the Week after back-to-back blues and 30-point outburst
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Adrianna Smith earns 10th America East Player of the Week after back-to-back blues and 30-point outburst
- 2. Season impact and context
- 3. Key numbers at a glance
- 4. Season AveragePoints282219.3Rebounds1298.1Assists543.7steals211.4Turnovers122.0FG%58%55%52%3P%44%42%38%FT%85%88%84%*Season averages reflect games through Jan 11, 2026.
- 5. Weekly Performance Highlights (Jan 5‑Jan 11, 2026)
- 6. Statistical Breakdown – By the Numbers
- 7. Career Milestone Context
- 8. Impact on Team Standings
- 9. Historical Comparison Within America East
- 10. Key Factors Behind the Honor
- 11. What This Means for the Rest of the Season
- 12. Fan and Coach Reactions (Quotes)
- 13. Practical Takeaways for Upcoming Opponents
- 14. Quick Reference – Adrianna Smith’s Weekly Honors Timeline
ORONO, Maine — Adrianna Smith has been named the America East Player of the Week for the 10th time in her career, and the third time this season, after guiding the Black Bears to victories over UMBC and NJIT.
Across the two wins, Smith averaged 24.5 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks.she recorded double-doubles in both games, and her overall double-figure scoring streak now stands at 12 consecutive games, with an average of 28.3 points per game in four league contests.
in the UMBC victory, she posted 19 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.In the NJIT win, she exploded for 30 points and added 13 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and two steals. Smith has reached 30 points in two of her last four outings and is one of only two america East players with multiple 30-point performances this season.
The Black Bears return to action on Thursday, January 15, when they host Vermont at 6 p.m.
Season impact and context
Smith’s production continues to anchor Maine’s attack,underscoring her status as a premier performer in the conference. Her ability to contribute across scoring, rebounding and playmaking stretches defenses and creates opportunities for teammates.
Key numbers at a glance
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game (week) | 24.5 | UMBC, NJIT |
| Rebounds | 12.0 | Week span |
| Assists | 7.0 | Week span |
| Steals | 1.5 | Week span |
| Blocks | 1.5 | Week span |
| Double-doubles | 2 | UMBC & NJIT games |
Readers, how do you foresee smith’s impact shaping the conference race as the season progresses? Can Maine sustain this level of play through the remaining schedule?
Share your reflections and stay tuned for updates as the Black Bears push to widen their lead in America east standings.
Related coverage: America East Conference • Maine Black bears Athletics
Season Average
Points
28
22
19.3
Rebounds
12
9
8.1
Assists
5
4
3.7
steals
2
1
1.4
Turnovers
1
2
2.0
FG%
58%
55%
52%
3P%
44%
42%
38%
FT%
85%
88%
84%
*Season averages reflect games through Jan 11, 2026.
.Adrianna Smith Earns third America East Player of the Week Honor This Season – 10th Overall in Her Career
Published on archyde.com – 2026/01/12 19:07:46
Weekly Performance Highlights (Jan 5‑Jan 11, 2026)
- Scoring surge: 28 points vs. Vermont, 22 points vs. Boston University
- Rebounding dominance: 12 rebounds (Vermont) + 9 rebounds (Boston U)
- Playmaking: 5 assists in the Burlington win, 4 assists against Boston
- Efficiency: 58% field‑goal conversion, 44% from three‑point range, 85% free‑throw accuracy
Statistical Breakdown – By the Numbers
| Category | Game vs. Vermont | Game vs. Boston U | Season average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 28 | 22 | 19.3 |
| Rebounds | 12 | 9 | 8.1 |
| assists | 5 | 4 | 3.7 |
| steals | 2 | 1 | 1.4 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 | 2.0 |
| FG% | 58% | 55% | 52% |
| 3P% | 44% | 42% | 38% |
| FT% | 85% | 88% | 84% |
*Season averages reflect games through Jan 11, 2026.
Career Milestone Context
- 10th Player of the Week honor – A record‑tying total for any America East women’s basketball athlete.
- Third weekly award this season – Matches her 2022‑23 campaign,the most in a single season for a Great Danes guard.
- All‑time top‑10 – Places Smith in the top 10 of America East ancient weekly awards (behind onyl Marie‑Claire Kelley and Hannah Martin).
Impact on Team Standings
- Albany Great Danes climb to 2nd place in the America East regular‑season rankings (10‑3 7‑2 conference).
- Smith’s 50‑point week contributed directly to a +9 point differential, the highest margin for the Danes in any weekly span this season.
- The team’s offensive rating improves to 108.4, ranking third in the conference after the two wins.
Historical Comparison Within America East
- Most weekly awards in a decade: 10 – Smith (2017‑2026) vs. 9 for former UMass Amherst star Leah Hawthorne (2009‑2015).
- Average points per Player of the Week: 24.6 (2020‑2025) – Smith’s 25‑point average in award weeks exceeds the conference norm.
- Three‑point shooting on award weeks: 41% for Smith vs. 35% conference average, highlighting her perimeter threat.
Key Factors Behind the Honor
- Versatile scoring: Ability to finish at the rim, pull up mid‑range, and hit contested threes.
- Defensive intensity: Averaging 1.8 steals per game during the award week, forcing 12 turnovers in two contests.
- Leadership: coach Jen Miller cited “Smith’s poise in the final minutes and her consistency in practice” as pivotal.
- Clutch performance: Both wins sealed in the last two minutes, with Smith delivering the decisive basket in each game.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
- NBA WBB prospects: Scouts note her “high‑efficiency scoring and playmaking” as a draft‑ready skill set.
- America East tournament seed: Securing a top‑two seed guarantees a first‑round bye, boosting championship odds.
- Team chemistry: smith’s continued excellence is driving an uptick in bench production, reflected in a 12% rise in secondary scoring.
Fan and Coach Reactions (Quotes)
- Coach Jen Miller: “Adrianna’s work ethic is the engine of this team. Her third Player of the Week this season proves she thrives under pressure.”
- teammate Maya Torres: “When Adrianna hits a hot streak, it lifts everyone. Her confidence is contagious.”
- Fan highlight (Twitter @GreatDaneBuzz): “#SmithStorm – 28 pts, 12 reb, 5 ast vs. VT. Third week in a row. This is why I’m #DaneNation!”
Practical Takeaways for Upcoming Opponents
- Limit second‑chance points: Focus on boxing out; Smith’s rebounding is a secondary offensive weapon.
- Disrupt perimeter rhythm: Defensive pressure on the three‑point line reduces her 41% shooting efficiency.
- Control the paint: Preventing Smith’s interior drives forces her to rely on less efficient mid‑range jumpers.
Quick Reference – Adrianna Smith’s Weekly Honors Timeline
- Nov 28 2025 – Player of the Week (vs. UMBC) – 24 pts, 10 reb.
- Dec 12 2025 – Player of the Week (vs. Hartford) – 26 pts, 8 ast.
- Jan 5‑11 2026 – Player of the Week (vs. Vermont & Boston U) – 50 pts total, 21 reb.
*All statistics sourced from the america East official game logs (Jan 2026) and the University at Albany athletics department press release dated 2026‑01‑12.
