University of Massachusets Athletics
Wednesday, February 26
Philadelphia, Pa.
7 p.m.
University of Massachusetts
51
at
47
Saint Joseph's
Photo by: Chris Tucci - UMass Athletics
Massachusetts Tops Saint Joseph’s, 51-47
February 26, 2020 | Women's Basketball
Perry keys third quarter burst as Minutewomen pick up critical road win
PHILADELPHIA – University of Massachusetts senior Vashnie Perry keyed a third quarter outpouring with 14 of her 18 points in the period as the Minutewomen weathered a late Saint Joseph's push and held off the Hawks, 51-47, on Wednesday night at Hagan Arena. With the win, Massachusetts is now 18-10 on the season, 8-7 in the Atlantic 10. The Hawks fall to 9-18 and 3-12 against league foes.
In addition, it marked the first time since the 1997-98 season (19) that the Minutewomen have won 18 games in a season, and the first time since 2005-06 that the squad collected eight wins in Atlantic 10 play. A three-game slide at Hagan Arena since Jan. 10, 2015 also ended with the triumph.
Perry's 18 points were a game-high and just two short of tying her career-best. Junior Sam Breen produced her sixth career double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds) and a 10-point night for senior Hailey Leidel pulled her even with former Minutewoman Octavia Thomas (1992-96) at No. 2 on the career scoring list with 1,791 in her career. Perry also grabbed a career-high-tying five steals.
The first half was a defensive battle for both sides with St. Joe's entering halftime carrying just an 18-16 lead. UMass was just 7-of-28 from the field in the opening half but kept the Hawks within reach thanks in part to 11 SJU turnovers.
Breen and Perry keyed a 9-1 run to begin the third quarter, giving the Maroon and White a lead they would not relinquish. Perry wrapped up an outstanding frame in the final minute, coming up with a steal at one end before going coast-to-coast for a fast break layup with 36 seconds left. On UMass' final possession of the period Perry was fouled and made the second free throw, stretching the advantage to 36-27 heading into the final 10 minutes of regulation.
The Hawks would put together a quick 5-0 run early in the fourth, forcing a Massachusetts timeout. From there the teams exchanged buckets as the final seven-plus minutes ticked away. SJU ultimately pulled back within two possessions in the final minute of regulation but two defensive stops by the Minutewomen sealed the victory.
Katie Jekot had 16 points, seven assists and four rebounds to pace the Hawks in the loss. St. Joe's was 20-of-56 (35.7%) from the field on the night and committed 18 turnovers, to which the Minutewomen netted 18 points.
For the game, UMass shot 20-of-62 (32.3%) and led both in points in the paint (30-24) and points off turnovers (16-9).
Massachusetts caps the regular season at home with a noon Senior Day game against Rhode Island on Sat., Feb. 29. Fans with a valid ticket to the Feb. 29 UMass hockey game vs. UConn can present their ticket at the Mullins Center Box Office and receive a complimentary ticket to the women's basketball game that day. Contact the Box Office at (866) UMASS-TIX with questions.
Follow UMass women's basketball on Twitter (@UMassWBB), Instagram (UMassWBB) and Facebook (UMass Women's Basketball) for the latest news and updates around the program.
In addition, it marked the first time since the 1997-98 season (19) that the Minutewomen have won 18 games in a season, and the first time since 2005-06 that the squad collected eight wins in Atlantic 10 play. A three-game slide at Hagan Arena since Jan. 10, 2015 also ended with the triumph.
Perry's 18 points were a game-high and just two short of tying her career-best. Junior Sam Breen produced her sixth career double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds) and a 10-point night for senior Hailey Leidel pulled her even with former Minutewoman Octavia Thomas (1992-96) at No. 2 on the career scoring list with 1,791 in her career. Perry also grabbed a career-high-tying five steals.
The first half was a defensive battle for both sides with St. Joe's entering halftime carrying just an 18-16 lead. UMass was just 7-of-28 from the field in the opening half but kept the Hawks within reach thanks in part to 11 SJU turnovers.
Breen and Perry keyed a 9-1 run to begin the third quarter, giving the Maroon and White a lead they would not relinquish. Perry wrapped up an outstanding frame in the final minute, coming up with a steal at one end before going coast-to-coast for a fast break layup with 36 seconds left. On UMass' final possession of the period Perry was fouled and made the second free throw, stretching the advantage to 36-27 heading into the final 10 minutes of regulation.
Another reminder that the third quarter ???????????????? to Vash Perry. She's got 16 on the night!
— UMass Women's Basketball (@UMassWBB) February 27, 2020
END 3Q: UMass 36, St. Joe's 27#FlagshipIsRising | #Flagship?? pic.twitter.com/AxM76e7TaS
The Hawks would put together a quick 5-0 run early in the fourth, forcing a Massachusetts timeout. From there the teams exchanged buckets as the final seven-plus minutes ticked away. SJU ultimately pulled back within two possessions in the final minute of regulation but two defensive stops by the Minutewomen sealed the victory.
Katie Jekot had 16 points, seven assists and four rebounds to pace the Hawks in the loss. St. Joe's was 20-of-56 (35.7%) from the field on the night and committed 18 turnovers, to which the Minutewomen netted 18 points.
For the game, UMass shot 20-of-62 (32.3%) and led both in points in the paint (30-24) and points off turnovers (16-9).
Massachusetts caps the regular season at home with a noon Senior Day game against Rhode Island on Sat., Feb. 29. Fans with a valid ticket to the Feb. 29 UMass hockey game vs. UConn can present their ticket at the Mullins Center Box Office and receive a complimentary ticket to the women's basketball game that day. Contact the Box Office at (866) UMASS-TIX with questions.
Follow UMass women's basketball on Twitter (@UMassWBB), Instagram (UMassWBB) and Facebook (UMass Women's Basketball) for the latest news and updates around the program.
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