On Saturday afternoon, the Massachusetts Minutewomen (10-10, 5-4 Atlantic 10) defeated the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams (10-11, 4-5 Atlantic 10) 54-49.
UMass struggled through the first quarter of play from the field, going two of fourteen from the field and shooting fourteen percent as a result. The Minutewomen went to the free-throw line multiple times in the first quarter and went a perfect six for six to only have a one-point deficit at the end of the quarter. The Rams were dealing with foul trouble in the first quarter, with three players having picked up two fouls quickly. Chinenye Odenigbo, Megan Olbrys, and Stefanie Kulesza each made a basket to start to get the Minutewomen rolling. VCU kept the game close and only let UMass have a one-point lead at the half. Mykel Parham took a tough fall at the end of the first half, and it made her questionable for her return. Parham did return midway through the third quarter for the Rams but was not able to put up any points to help VCU cut into their deficit.
The Minutewomen had three players in double-figure scoring on Saturday afternoon. Olbrys had 13 points and 9 rebounds, Kulesza had 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Allie Palmieri had 12 points to round out scorers in double digits. Yahmani McKayle had 7 points, Odenibgo had 6 points and 6 rebounds, and Lilly Ferguson had 4 points to round out scorers for UMass.
The Rams had three players in double-figure scoring on Saturday afternoon. Valentina Ojeda had 17 points, Mary-Anna Asare had 12 points and 5 rebounds, and Jennifer Ezeh had 10 points for double-digit scorers. Grace Hutson had 8 points and 5 assists and Cyriah Griffin had 2 points to round out scorers for VCU.
The Minutewomen return home to the Mullins Center to face the George Washington Revolutionaries (8-11, 1-7 Atlantic 10) on Wednesday, January 29th at 6pm. The Rams hit the road to the UMPC Cooper Fieldhouse to face the Duquesne Dukes (13-6, 4-4 Atlantic 10) on Thursday, January 30th at 8pm.
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.