The Stonehill College women's basketball got contributions throughout its lineup to get past Pace University, 62-55, at Merkert Gym and improve to 16-2 and 12-1 in NE-10.
EASTON – The Stonehill College women’s basketball team has been putting together a successful season thanks in large part to its depth.
“That’s probably one of our biggest strengths is our depth,’’ said coach Trisha Brown. “Kids have the ability to come off the bench and get some rebounds, play great defense.’’
That depth was on display Tuesday night when the Skyhawks moved into a first-place tie with idle Bentley University in the Northeast-10 Conference Northeast Division.
Stonehill got contributions throughout its lineup to get past Pace University, 62-55, at Merkert Gym and improve to 16-2 and 12-1 in NE-10.
Courtney Walsh led the offense with 19 points and Kelly Martin of Scituate brushed aside a rough shooting night to contribute 12 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Samantha Hyslip chipped in with 12 rebounds, Elizabeth Gripp blocked six shots, Grace Carter made a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer, Gabrielle Reuter of Plymouth had six points and five rebounds off the bench and freshman Jennifer Worden of Abington had a key basket with 3:25 to go.
“We knew coming in that we had the potential to go really deep and they’re proving it,’’ said Brown, whose team is riding a seven-game winning streak and hosts third-ranked Bentley next Wednesday night in a showdown game. “They are working hard to stay ready and they were ready.’’
While Martin and Hyslip were a combined 5 for 24 from the floor, others stepped up to make contributions.
Stonehill had built a 45-34 lead late in the third quarter, but the offense struggled early in the final quarter and Pace moved in front on three occasions by a point.
After the Setters took a 55-54 edge with 1:57 to go, Carter delivered her 3-pointer with 1:40 remaining.
“That’s why you want her in at the end of the game because she has that confidence to catch and shoot,’’ said Brown, whose team is ranked 20th in the national Division 2 media poll.
Martin followed with a layup with 1:14 to play, making it 59-55. Grip then added an offensive rebound that led to a pair of Martin foul shots to seal the victory.
So in a game when the two leading scorers struggled with their shot, the Skyhawks still found a way to keep winning.
“They’re going to have those nights and that’s OK,’’ said Brown. “Thankfully, kids came off the bench and stepped up.’’
Stonehill 67, Pace 52: In the men’s game, the Skyhawks raced to a 37-20 halftime lead on the way to their second straight win to improve to 11-8.
Dan Largery hit five 3-pointers and scored 18 points while grabbing seven rebounds to lead Stonehill (7-6 in the NE-10).
Owen Chose also made five 3-pointers and scored a season-best 17 points to lead the second unit while Brandon Twitty of Randolph had 11 points.
Will Moreton chipped in with 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Skyhawks, who had a 16-1 edge over the Setters in 3-pointers.
Pace was limited to 39 percent shooting and missed 15-of-16 tries from 3-point range.