WNEC Completes Sweep of Basketball, 50-31

Game Statistics

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Jan. 5, 2009) – Junior guard Kailah Al-Darraji recorded 12 points to help the Western New England College women’s basketball team to a 50-31 victory over non-conference foe Mount Holyoke College this evening at the Alumni Healthful Living Center. With the win, the Golden Bears completed the season sweep of the Lyons and snapped a four game losing slide. They picked up a 49-41 triumph in the season opener for both squads on November 15.

Western New England shot 35.3% (18-51) from the field and outrebounded the guests 45-38. Al-Darraji knocked down four of the Golden Bears seven three-pointers. Senior guard Katie Arey totaled ten points, and junior forward Caitlin Powers added seven points, six rebounds and three blocked shots. Sophomore guard Loren Stock chipped in with six points and a team best ten rebounds.

Mount Holyoke was limited to just 20.8% (10-48) shooting from the floor and 22.2% (2-9) from beyond the arc. The Lyons converted just 40.9% (9-22) of their free throw attempts and committed 20 turnovers. First year guard Christine Chancy led the way with seven points and a game high 11 boards. Senior guard Katie Austen totaled five points, four rebounds and a pair of steals, while junior guard Erin Cain and first year forward Tricia Chase pulled down six boards apiece.

Western New England (4-6, 0-0 TCCC) scored the first five points of the game and built a 27-13 edge at the 2:43 mark of the first half. The Golden Bears took a 27-16 advantage into the locker room. Al-Darraji netted six of her 12 points before the break. The hosts opened the second stanza with a 12-3 run to put things out of reach. They led by as many as 23 points (50-27) in the waning minutes.

Mount Holyoke (2-9, 0-0 NEWMAC) will return to action on Wednesday, when it visits Wheaton College at 5:30 p.m. It will be the Lyons first New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) contest of the 2008-09 campaign.