The Massachusetts Minutewomen (27-7, 14-2 A-10) had the season come to a close last night against the Harvard Crimson (19-11, 9-5 Ivy League) with the final score being 89-87. UMass finishes the historic season in front of a very supportive home crowd. Monday night’s game also marked the final game for Sam Breen and Destiney Philoxy in their collegiate careers, but both still have the opportunity to play overseas if they choose to.
UMass had four players in double digits on Monday night. Sydney Taylor led in scoring with 21 points, and Philoxy had 16 points. Breen had her 2oth double-double on the season, and the 60th in her career with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Ber’Nyah Mayo also picked up a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists.
On top of Breen earning her 60th double-double in her career, she was able to break another program record during the game against Harvard. Breen surpassed Sue Peters for the most points scored in a single season by 2 points. The record set by Peters was done in the 1978-1979 season, and she scored 587 points in that season. Before the game started Breen had 575 points on the season and needed 12 points to tie Peters for the record, and at least 13 points to set a new single-season record. On top of breaking the single-season record for most points scored, she also made history earlier in the season in the final regular season game against George Washington for breaking the record for points scored in a career by a Minutewomen. That record was also held by Peters, who played at UMass from 1976-80 until Breen broke the record. Breen sits second all-time in career rebounds behind Jennifer Butler and eclipsed her 1,000th career rebound while playing in the game against Dayton this season. Breen was the Atlantic 10 player of the week numerous times throughout her time at UMass, which led to her being named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year two times in back-to-back seasons. She was also named to the all-conference first team the past two seasons and once to the all-conference second team. Breen made her mark in the 2021 and 2022 Atlantic 10 Championships by being named to the all-championship team twice, and in the 2022 Atlantic 10 Championship, Breen was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Breen was named as a finalist for the Becky Hammon Mid Major Player of the Year Award, and the winner of the award will be announced later in March. Breen will be missed by the fans next season, but her legacy will live on for years to come at UMass.
Philoxy spent all five years of her collegiate playing at UMass. Philoxy etched her name into the record books for playing the most games in UMass history surpassing former teammate, Hailey Leidel. Philoxy this season also became the leader in total assists in Minutewomen early this season against Arizona State. Philoxy also put herself in third for career steals with 211 steals in her career. Philoxy also made her mark at the conference level by being named to the all-defensive team the past season and her senior year. She was named to the all-rookie team her freshman year, and the all-conference second team twice in her career. Philoxy also made the all-championship team with Breen for the 2021 Atlantic 10 Championship. Philoxy was known for her fast break layups and her ability to draw several charges in a game. If there were a record for most charges drawn Philoxy would be at the top of that list at UMass. Philoxy’s legacy will live on for seasons to come and will be missed by all of the fans.
This duo of players made history in so many different ways and will be missed on and off the court. Breen and Philoxy had to be the best duo to come through UMass and also the winningest duo in the program’s history. Thank you Sam and Destiney, you will be missed by everyone next season, and we wish you the best of luck wherever the future takes you!
Photo Credits: Chris Tucci, UMass Athletics
