The Massachusetts Minutewomen (4-26, 2-16 A-10) defeated the Saint Bonaventure Bonnies (4-24, 1-16 A-10) 58-45 on Wednesday night for the Minutewomen’s final regular season finale and Eras Night in Amherst. The Minutewomen have a 37-29 all-time series history lead over the Bonnies.
Both teams entering the game on Wednesday night were looking to snap fifteen-game losing streaks, and one was looking to “Shake It Off.” UMass was able to fill the “Blank Space” in the win column against the Bonnies, marking the Minutewomen’s first win since January 2nd. Starting the first quarter out, the Minutewomen found themselves with an early lead, which was something they did not know “All Too Well (10-minute version).” The Bonnies ended up calling a timeout with about three minutes left in the first quarter, as the Minutewomen got out on a good run and St. Bonaventure called it to say “You Need to Calm Down” to UMass as they had an eleven-point lead at that point. After the first quarter, it seemed that the Bonnies were not quite “…Ready for It?” as they did not have an answer for the Minutewomen, as they were shooting fifty percent from the field. While the Bonnies tried to take the lead from UMass, the Minutewomen persevered and were “Fearless” by building their lead back up.
The Bonnies had two players who had a “Love Story” with double-figure scoring. Isabellah Middleton led the way for St. Bonaventure with 16 points and 8 rebounds, and Payton Fields had 14 points to round out scorers in double digits. Nadechka Laccen had 7 points, Taylor Napper had 5 points, Claire Cody had 2 points, and Tianna Johnson had 1 point to round out all scorers for the Bonnies.
The Minutewomen had two players who said “You Belong With Me” to double-figure scoring. Kristin Williams led the way for UMass with a “Look What You Made Me Do” career-high 21 points, and Alexsia Rose had 12 points to round out scorers in double digits. Chinenye Odenigbo had 8 points and 5 rebounds, Stefanie Kulesza had 8 points and 9 points, Lilly Taulelei had 6 points and 4 rebounds, Lilly Ferguson had 2 points, and Tori Hyduke had 1 point to round out all scorers for the Minutewomen.
As this was the “End Game” for the Minutewomen’s regular season, they ended the season out with good “Karma,” and will “Evermore” be the 13-seed in the conference tournament (edit: Davidson cancels the rest of their games for rest of the season, making the bracket go from a 15-team bracket to a 14-bracket).
St. Bonaventure travels back home to the Reilly Center for a “Cruel Summer” matchup against the Richmond Spiders (25-5,15-2 A-10) on Saturday, March 2nd at 1pm on ESPN+. There is no “Bad Blood” between these two teams, and it is in Richmond’s “Wildest Dreams” for a win as they could clinch the regular season title.
Featured Image: Chris Tucci, UMass Athletics
Kaily “KG” Godek is a current student at Western New England University (WNE). She has been a supporter of UMass Athletics for over 15 years. Kaily focuses on both UMass Basketball teams and occasionally on the other Women’s Basketball teams in the conference. While writing for A10 Talk, she works in the athletic department at WNE. When she graduates from WNE she wants to go into Sports Broadcasting and Journalism. You can follow Kaily on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kgumass23.
