FINAL SCORE: UMBC 54, Vermont 47
CATONSVILLE, M.D. – Vermont went on a 17-3 run in the fourth quarter but were unable to complete the comeback as UMBC hit their free throws late to hold on for a 54-47 win Saturday afternoon from the UMBC Event Center. With the win the Retrievers improved to 6-8 in conference this season while the Catamounts fell to 6-9.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score (.pdf)
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"We did not capitalize on a great opportunity today," said Mayer Women's Basketball Head Coach Alisa Kresge. "For the most part, our defense gave us a chance. But at the end of the day, we aren't winning any games shooting 29% from the floor and 3-for-22 from behind the arc. We have one regular season game left and then playoffs, we have to put it all on the line."

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After a slow shooting start from both teams UMBC used an 7-0 run to gain an early 11-4 edge. Lyric Swann scored four points in the final minute to give the Retrievers an 15-6 lead after ten minutes.
• UMBC scored the first nine points of the second quarter to make it a 24-6 lead. The Retrievers scored 11 points off Vermont's seven first half turnovers and maintained a 15-point edge at the break.
• In the third quarter Hanna Crymble led an initial Catamounts charge.  Trailing 31-15 UVM went on an 8-0 run fueled by five points from Crymble and a Josie Larkins three-pointer. But UMBC managed to score six points in the final eight seconds of the quarter to build their lead back to 14 with a Swann three-pointer at the buzzer.
• The fourth quarter was all Vermont, Crymble completed a 17-3 UVM stretch over 8:14 to make it 44-42 with 1:09 left in regulation. On the ensuing UMBC possession Janee'a Summers nailed a dagger three-pointer to put the Retrievers back up five with 52 seconds to go. In the final minute UMBC hit their free throws and Vermont never closed within five or less again.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• In conference play the Retrievers have had the best three-point shooting defense in the league, holding opponents to 28.5% shooting from downtown. This afternoon UVM shot 3-22 from behind the arc a season-low of 13.6%.
• Sarah Wells gathered a career-high ten rebounds this afternoon. She has led or been tied for the UVM lead in rebounding in eight games this season, including four of the last five.

WHO'S NEXT
After a bye on Wednesday Vermont returns home for Senior Day presented by the UVM Alumni Association on Saturday (February 29) as they host UMass Lowell at 2 p.m. Prior to the game the Catamounts will honor Hanna Crymble, our lone senior. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3. Fans can also listen to the contest on WVMT AM 620/96.3 FM with Maura Sheridan on the call.
 
Rise To The Top is the presenting sponsor of the 2019-20 women's basketball season.