The Albany Great Danes women’s basketball team outscored the University of Maine 36-30 in the second half and came up with a defensive stop when they needed it the most to earn a 59-58 victory in the America East championship game at SEFCU Arena in Albany on Friday afternoon. It is the fifth straight America East championship for Albany.
The game had five lead changes in the first quarter with Albany holding a 14-12 lead after the first 10 minutes of play. The Great Danes went on a 7-2 run to start the second quarter and take a 21-14 lead. Maine went on a 14-2 run, including an 11-0 run to end the first half and take a 28-23 halftime lead.
The Black Bears built the lead to 32-25 when Bella Swan made a layup with 7:39 remaining in the third quarter. Albany evened the score at 36 with 2:21 remaining in the quarter. Sigi Koizar made a jumper late in the quarter to give the Black Bears a 41-38 lead.
Liz Wood made a three pointer with 8:23 remaining to give the Black Bears a 45-40 lead. Chantel Charles made a jump shot with 6:23 remaining to give what would end up being the final lead (49-47)for Maine. Imani Tate gave the Great Danes a 51-49 lead.
With 2:37 remaining Wood fouled out with the Black Bears trailing 53-50. Shereesha Richards scored the final six points for the Great Danes, including going 4-4 from the free throw line down the stretch. After an Albany turnover, Maine had an opportunity with 2.6 seconds remaining, but strong defense from Albany forced the Black Bears to a difficult opportunity and sent the Great Danes to another America East championship.
Richards powered the Great Danes with 31 points and nine rebounds. Richards shot 11-18 from the field and 9-10 from the free throw line. Tate recorded 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Koizar led the Black Bears with 15 points, Mikeala Gustaffson recorded 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Wood added 10 points and six rebounds.
Albany (27-4) will be watching the women’s NCAA selection show on Monday night at 7 live on ESPN to see where they will be going to play in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Maine (26-8) should at least get a WNIT bid. Those selections will also be announced next week.
