The Massachusetts Minutewomen (9-8, 4-2 Atlantic 10) defeated the La Salle Explorers (7-12, 1-5 Atlantic 10) 82-66 on Wednesday morning.
The Explorers got out to a quick five-to-nothing lead to start, but the Minutewomen responded with a fifteen-to-nothing run following La Salle’s quick start. UMass was able to create multiple big-scoring runs that gave them a comfortable lead at the half. The Minutewomen’s 51-point first-half performance was the highest-scoring half all season and showed that UMass was able to use multiple different players to get a big lead early. The Explorers started to respond and would attempt to cut the lead down, but could not find a way to keep the Minutewomen from grabbing rebounds and making baskets in the paint.
UMass had three players in double-figure scoring on Wednesday. Megan Olbrys had a career-high 22 points, with 9 rebounds and 4 assists, Stefanie Kulesza had 19 points and 9 rebounds, and Yahmani McKayle had 12 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds for scorers in double-digit scoring. Allie Palmieri had 9 points and 4 rebounds, Chinenye Odenigbo had 6 points and 7 rebounds, Momo LaClair had 6 points and 5 rebounds, and Lilly Ferguson and Kasey Bretones each had 4 points to round out scorers for the Minutewomen.
La Salle had three players in double-figure scoring on Wednesday morning. Ashleigh Connor had 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, Joan Quinn had 13 points, and Mackenzie Daleba had 12 points and 6 rebounds for all scorers in double-digits. Ivy Fox had 6 points, Ayisse “Shay” Magassa and Anna Przyszlak each had 5 points, Sania Jenkins and Ty’Renisha Bowers each had 4 points, Alisa Blalock and Jolene Armendariz each had 2 points for all scorers for the Explorers.
UMass remains at home to face the Saint Joseph’s Hawks (13-4, 4-2 Atlantic 10) on Saturday, January 18th at 12pm. La Salle returns home to face the George Mason Patriots (14-3, 4-2 Atlantic 10 on Saturday, January 18th at 2pm.
Featured Image: Seth Bradley, 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.
