Strong Second Half Pushes Smith Past Basketball, 52-36

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NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (Dec. 9, 2009) – Using a strong second half, the Smith College women’s basketball team downed local rival Mount Holyoke College 52-36 this evening at Ainsworth Gymnasium. It was the Pioneers first win over a New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) foe this season.

Smith converted 41.5% (22-53) of its attempts from the field and forced the Lyons into 26 turnovers. The Pioneers were paced by first year guard Elizabeth BelBruno, who tallied 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the floor. She drained two shots from beyond the arc and added four rebounds. Classmate Devon Quattrocchi posted eight points, five assists and four steals. Meanwhile, another first year, forward Daron Dean pulled down eight boards. The hosts knocked down six of their seven free throw attempts.

Mount Holyoke fell despite a 35-27 advantage on the glass. The Lyons shot 32.6% (15-46) from the floor, including 41.7% (5-12) from three point range. They only attempted two free throws, making one. Senior guard Erin Cain collected eight points, 11 rebounds and four assists to lead the way. Mount Holyoke also received solid production from sophomore guard Christine Chancy, who drained a pair of treys en route to eight points. Senior center Kate Shafir chipped in with nine points off the bench.

Neither team led by more than six points in a nip and tuck first half. A three pointer by Shafir put Mount Holyoke in front 17-11 midway through the frame. The Lyons still enjoyed a six point advantage following another jumper by Shafir at the 6:20 mark, but Smith scored the next nine points to gain control of the contest. BelBruno highlighted the rally with back-to-back jumpers. Her second was a three pointer that gave her team a 23-22 edge. The Pioneers took a 25-24 lead into the locker room. BelBruno led all scorers with 10 points at the break.

Smith (4-3, 1-2 NEWMAC) erupted for the first nine points of the second stanza and never looked back. The Pioneers went on to outscore Mount Holyoke 27-12 after the intermission to seal things. In the process, they limited the Lyons to just five field goals made. Shafir and Cain were both held scoreless in the period.

Mount Holyoke (3-4, 1-2 NEWMAC) will return to action on Saturday, when it hosts Clark University for a NEWMAC tilt beginning at 1:00 p.m.