Bangor,ME- The Husson University women’s basketball team used a strong second half from sophomore Sydney Allen to lift the Eagles to a 74-61 North Atlantic Semifinal victory over the #5 NVU-Lyndon Hornets Friday night at the Newman Gymnasium.
The Eagles quickly jumped out to a lead over the Hornets to start the contest, getting points from NAC Rookie of the Year Bailey Donovan, Senior Sami Ireland, and Senior Joan Overman. The Hornets would not go away as they mounted a run late in the quarter to close within three points 19-16 by the end of the opening 10 minutes.
The Hornets continued to keep the pressure on the Eagles in the second quarter, helped by Donovan’s foul trouble. Husson struggled to find an offensive rhythm and it was a two possession game throughout most of the period. Husson went into the halftime break with a 37-29 lead.
The Eagles would finally find some flow in the third quarter as they would quickly open a 53-41 lead halfway through, a lead that was just comfortable enough until an off balance three point shot from Alissa Mitchell at the third quarter buzzer would make it a nine point game headed to the fourth.
Husson wouldn’t look back in the fourth with some help from Allen who had 18 points in the second half. The Hornets would get no closer than 11 points in the final quarter.
Allen finished with 29 points in the game to lead the Eagles. Donovan added 13 points and 15 rebounds. Ireland contributed 12 points and eight rebounds.
Mitchell lead the Hornets with 17 points, while Faith Poireir had 13 points to lead the Hornets.
Husson improves to 15-0 in conference with the win and into their fifth straight NAC championship game. They will play the winner of #3 UMF and #2 MMA tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Newman Gym for a right to represent the conference in the NCAA Div III National Tournament.
Lyndon finishes the season 11-15 overall, and 7-9 in conference play.
