The BU women’s basketball team took charge on Saturday against the rival Great Danes in Albany, winning by a final score of 70-60 and kicking off the second half of conference play in a positive way.
The Bearcats (8-14, 4-5 AE) outplayed Albany (7-15, 3-6 AE), playing one of the most consistent games they have had all season. Binghamton took advantage of the many chances they were given and took more shots than their opponents throughout the game, resulting in a relieving win to begin the month of February.
‘It was a huge win to open the second round of conference play,’ said head coach Rich Conover, ‘And to get ourselves going in the right direction. It was our first win on the road against a conference rival. It was a big win.’
The Bearcats started the game off shakily, holding the lead for less than one minute in the first half. However, thanks to a jumper by senior guard Rebecka Lindgren, they took the lead going into halftime and changed the momentum of the game for the team.
After a tough fight in the beginning of the second half, the Bearcats grabbed the lead and started to pull away. An 18-6 run in the beginning of the second half, started by back-to-back 3-pointers from Lindgren, gave them the lead that would eventually win them the game. The next 18 minutes were spent contributing stellar statistics to many of the players’ resumes.
The win was anchored by the huge play of both Lindgren and junior forward Laine Kurpniece, who combined for a total 39 points with 17 and 22, respectively. Junior guard Laura Sario also had a big game, adding 14 points by being perfect from both the 3-point and the free throw lines.
For Albany, senior guard Amanda Ward made it tough on Binghamton’s defense, sinking 16 points and grabbing five rebounds. Junior guard Kristin Higy also hit double digits, adding 13 points.
With the win on Saturday, the Bearcats brought the season record between the two teams to a tie. The two teams will not face each other again in the regular season.
The win came after a loss to America East-leading Stony Brook, a team that the Bearcats will have to face again later this month. Next up are the Maine Black Bears. The Bearcats will travel to Maine for an afternoon game this Saturday, which will be the final game of their road trip.
Women’s Basketball Notes: Laine Kurpniece’s season-high 22-point game marked her seventh career 20-point game. She nabbed Binghamton Player of the Game honors for her efforts against Albany.
The win on Saturday boosted the Bearcats from seventh place up to a fifth place tie in the America East conference. They are currently tied with Maine.