Dec. 30, 2009
Box Score
The UMass Lowell women's basketball team downed the Wilmington Wildcats, 61-51, to win the Yellow Jacket Holiday Classic on Wednesday night. The River Hawks overcame a seven-point first half deficit with a team-high 16 points and nine rebounds from sophomore F Sha'nay Bushner (Akron, OH).
With the win, UMass Lowell improves to 7-3 on the season, while Wilmington drops to 4-6 with the loss.
In addition to Bushner's big game, senior F Jen Valente (Prospect, CT) recorded her second consecutive double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Senior G Amanda McGrew (Santa Monica, CA) also cracked double-digits with 11 points, while adding six rebounds and snagging two steals.
The River Hawks found themselves down 16-23 at the end of the first half after a 4-for-27 shooting performance from the field. UMass Lowell managed to keep the game within reach due to a 26-20 rebounding edge and seven points via the charity stripe.
Despite the shooting struggles, Valente still shined the in first stanza as she scored four points, pulled in seven rebounds and picked up a steal. Senior G Rahshala Valentine (Cincinnati, OH) also pitched in with two points and four rebounds.
The River Hawk offense found its rhythm in the second half, starting with a 22-10 run kicked off by freshman G Bianca Simmons (Middletown, CN). Simmons nailed two three-pointers to draw the game within reach at 29-31. UMass Lowell then took a 33-31 lead on a three at 14:28 by McGrew, a lead the River Hawks would never relinquish.
UMass Lowell outscored Wilmington 45-28 in the second half, shooting 56.7% (17-30) from the floor. Bushner picked up 13 of her 16 points in the second half, converting five of six field goal attempts.
For the game, UMass Lowell shot 37%, sinking 21-of-57 baskets. The River Hawks held the advantage in rebounds (44-36), offensive rebounds (13-9), turnovers (19-21) and steals (6-5).
UMass Lowell will have a few days to enjoy the win, traveling to Stonehill College on Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. tip with the Skyhawks.
