2024-01-18 01:54:54
Next Game:
Gordon College
1/20/2024 | 1 p.m
Jan. 20 (Sat) / 1 p.m
Gordon College
History
Quite possibly the most important player Wednesday didn’t play a single minute for the University of Hartford women’s basketball team.
Senior Lenaijah Ferguson gave the pregame speech imploring her shorthanded team to play for the entire 40 minutes and keep supporting each other. The team of freshmen heeded the message as the Hawks snapped a six-game losing streak with the upset victory over Suffolk, 67-58, inside the Chase Family Center at the Reich Family Pavilion.
For the collection of eight freshmen that suited up in home white uniforms, Taryn Blevins made back-to-back three-pointers, the latter sealing the victory with 47 seconds remaining. It was a welcome sight for the Hawks as Blevins was just one of her last 21 over the span of three games. She broke out of the slump to the tune of a career-high five three-pointers for 15 points.
Blevins jump started a pivotal 8-0 run in the fourth quarter on the heels of Suffolk taking its last lead of the game with 6:33 remaining. She connected on a three-pointer on the ensuing possession, and then Ella Marchesani had a three-point play to push the lead to five. A pair of free throws by Ava Naszimento capped the spurt.
Suffolk was able to pull to within one possession several times in the fourth quarter, but the Hawks always had an answer.
It was a hotly-contest first half as neither team led by more than three points until a late basket by Jaida Cunningham had Hartford leading by five at the break.
Adrianna McCoy connected on a pair of three-pointers during an 8-0 run that pushed the Hartford lead to a game-high nine points midway through the third quarter. As quickly as the advantage was built, it went away as the Rams answered by scoring the next 10 points to take the lead. The teams traded the lead back and forth, but it was the host Hawks that led by two going into the fourth quarter.
McCoy led a trio of double-figure scores with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Naszimento earned her first career double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds, both career bests. Blevins finished with 15 points.
INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES
- Hartford used its eighth different starting lineup with Blevins, McCoy, and Naszimento being joined by Kendall Rieman and Marchesani.
- The 12 turnovers were the second-fewest the Hawks have committed all season.
- The Hawks connected on a season-best 44 percent (8-of-18) from beyond the arc.
- The game featured six lead changes and eight ties.
WHAT’S NEXT
Hartford (7-8 overall, 3-5 CCC opponents) stays home to host Gordon for First Responders and Alumni Day. The Hawks won the first meeting, 71-65, on December 2.
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