University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
6-16, 0-10 A-10
Fordham
11-12, 6-4 A-10
Fordham Outlasts Women's Basketball, 60-55
February 06, 2016 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 6, 2016
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| Season Stats (PDF Stats) | Career Stats
AMHERST, Mass. - The UMass women's basketball team had three players enter double figures in scoring, led by a career-high 15 points from junior Kymber Hill, but were just short in their comeback effort as the Minutewomen fell to Fordham 60-55 on Play 4 Kay Day at the Mullins Center on Saturday.
Fordham moves to 11-12 and 6-4 in Atlantic 10 play following the win, while the loss puts the Minutewomen at 6-16 and 0-10 in the A-10.
Freshman Bria Stallworth served as an offensive spark plug early on in the game, scoring UMass' first four points. Hill also provided equally key contributions, tallying six points of her own over a span of 2:14. Both teams showed a strong ability to distribute the ball, as the Rams had four assists on six field goals, while UMass had five helpers on seven makes. Effective play on the glass was clear for the Minutewomen as well, grabbing 11 first quarter rebounds.
The second quarter saw four lead changes as both squads kept the score close throughout the period. Shooting 50% from the field for the second consecutive period, the Minutewomen narrowed the halftime deficit to just two points, trailing Fordham 30-28 at the break. In conjunction with two points apiece from Stallworth and Cierra Dillard, UMass' strong defensive play held the Rams scoreless over the last 3:59 of the half.
The Rams used a 10-4 run over the first 5:29 of the third to take a 40-32 lead, led by two three-pointers from Lauren Holden. Fordham also continued to circulate the ball well, totaling assists on 14 of 17 baskets by quarter's end. UMass responded, however, tying the game at 44 after a three-pointer from Alyx Stiff with 42 seconds left in the period. Fordham's Danielle Burns added two free throws to end the quarter with the Rams ahead, 46-44.
The score remained close throughout the final period as neither team maintained a lead of more than three points through the first 9:52. There were four lead changes in a fourth quarter that saw free throws become critical down the stretch. Trailing by three with less than 20 seconds remaining, UMass' Rashida Timbilla made a layup after drawing a foul to narrow the Rams' lead to 56-55, but was unable to sink the subsequent free throw. Holden and Samantha Clark then made two each from the line to seal the victory for Fordham.
Massachusetts now hits the road for a trip to Philadelphia and a Feb. 10 contest with La Salle. Tip off in the matchup against the Explorers is set for 7 p.m.
For continued coverage of UMass women's basketball, follow the Minutewomen at Facebook.com/UMassAthletics and using the handle @UMassWBB on Twitter.
