University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
6-11, 0-5 A-10
Richmond
9-9, 2-3 A-10
Women's Basketball Falls Short Against Richmond, 74-68
January 16, 2016 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 16, 2016
Box Score (PDF Box) | Season Stats (PDF Stats) | Career Stats
AMHERST, Mass. - The Massachusetts women's basketball team had four scorers in double figures, including Cierra Dillard's career-high 27 points, but were overpowered by offensive play led by Janelle Hubbard's 32 points as the Richmond Spiders earned a 74-68 victory over the Minutewomen at the Mullins Center on Saturday.
The result moves the Spiders to 9-9 and 2-3 in the Atlantic 10. Following the setback, the Minutewomen fall to 6-11, and 0-5 in A-10 action.
Strong defensive play was key in the opening quarter for the Minutewomen, who forced five Richmond turnovers and grabbed seven defensive rebounds. Although the Spiders responded with four points from the free throw line, Alyx Stiff tallied five points of her own to even the score at 12 by the end of the frame.
The second quarter saw continued offensive production for Richmond early, as the Spiders tallied an 11-4 run over the first four minutes. Hubbard's 13 first-half points were instrumental for the Spiders, as were with 10 team points off turnovers which helped Richmond to a 31-24 lead at the break. UMass' effective rebounding remained instrumental, however, posting seven defensive boards.
The Minutewomen struggled against the Richmond defense to open the second half, as the Spiders held UMass to just two field goals over 4:32 en route to a 47-38 lead after three quarters. Hubbard's strong play continued with six points in the period, but six points apiece from Rashida Timbilla and Alyssa Lawrence narrowed the deficit to nine by quarter's end. Lawrence was a force on the glass, pulling in three of her six rebounds, including two on the offensive side, to help the Minutewomen to four second chance points.
A late comeback effort for UMass highlighted the final quarter, including points from Lawrence, Timbilla, and Cierra Dillard. The Minutewomen got to within seven, but two free throws from Hubbard with 1:01 remaining in the game sealed the victory for the Spiders. Dillard's two three-pointers inside the final minute as part of the rally helped her to her career-high mark.
UMass continues conference play with a road trip to George Washington and a Wed., Jan. 20 contest. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
