The Massachusetts Minutewomen (3-5, 0-0 Atlantic 10) defeated the Northeastern Huskies (1-6, 0-0 Coastal Athletic Association) 81-50 on Thursday night. The Huskies still hold an 18-17 lead over the Minutewomen in the all-time series history.
From the start on Thursday night, UMass found ways to score and was effective on defense for forty minutes. The Minutewomen saw the Huskies score first but were not deterred from them scoring first; rather, UMass responded and had one of their best quarters of the season. The Minutewomen held Northeastern to just 16 points through the first half, which was the lowest-scoring half by an opponent this season, while UMass had their highest-scoring half with 48 points going into halftime. Megan Olbrys continued her strong performance for the Minutewomen going seven of seven from the field, her first perfect game of her career. Lilly Ferguson had two tough layup finishes at the buzzer in the first and third quarters which boosted the team’s morale to finish the game out strong.
UMass had three players in double-figures scoring on Thursday night. Allie Palmieri had 19 points and 5 rebounds, Olbrys had 14 points, a career-high 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, and Yahmani McKayle had 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals to close out scorers in double digits. Ferguson had 8 points and 6 rebounds, Dallas Pierce and Chineyne Odenigbo both had 6 points, Momo LaClair had 5 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks, Stefanie Kulesza had 5 points and 4 rebounds, and Aleah Sorrentino had 2 points to round out scorers for the Minutewomen.
UMass will travel on the road for the final three home games of the non-conference schedule against the Dartmouth Big Green (3-3, 0-0 Ivy League) on Sunday, December 8th, at 2 pm. This will be the 21st meeting between these two teams, and the series is currently tied at 10 apiece between the Minutewomen and the Big Green.
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 either Sports Broadcasting and Journalism or Coaching. You can follow Kaily on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kgumass23.
