It’s going to take a lot of maple syrup to make Vermont forget about this one.
The Binghamton University women’s basketball team ended its two-game losing skid by defeating Vermont 67-50 at the Events Center Tuesday night. The game, in which BU never trailed, marked the Bearcats’ second victory ever against the Catamounts.
“I think this was a very big win,” said head coach Rich Conover. “Vermont is a team that we always point to as a big game. We haven’t been very successful against them. They’re an outstanding program, and we wanted to start another home win streak and change the tide.”
The Bearcats jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, completely dominating play throughout the first half. That dominance was magnified when senior guard Jen Blues drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer to give BU a 29-18 lead at the half. Blues would finish second on the team with 12 points, while filling the stat sheet with three steals, four assists and six rebounds. She attributed her stellar performance to a desire to beat Vermont.
“This win was definitely huge for team morale,” Blues said. “After a few losses to come back and beat Vermont that was huge. We always have a little bit of vengeance against them because we tend to drop the ball when they come here or we go there.”
The Bearcats played their fourth consecutive game without senior forward Rachel Laws, and once again many players stepped up in her absence.
Sophomore center Laine Kurpniece netted a team-high 14 points, and senior Jen Haubrich scored 10 points, led the team with seven rebounds and played perhaps her best basketball since returning from injury. Junior guard Shea Kenny provided six assists, the fourth time this season she has had more than five. Freshman forward Laura Franceski had the best game of her young career garnering career highs in points, rebounds, and blocks.
“I think all year long we’ve said that we had a lot of depth and you really saw that tonight,” Conover added. “Franceski played very well and Laura Sario has played very well with Rachel out and it’s great to have Jen Haubrich back because she is such an emotional leader.”
The Bearcats held Vermont’s star sophomore Alexis Castro — the leading scorer in the conference — to just 13 points. She also appeared visibly frustrated with her team’s inability to get anything done, constantly throwing her hands up in disgust.
The Bearcats provided a stark contrast with the Catamounts’ demeanor, showing a great deal of confidence throughout the game and fully expecting to win.
“We’ve been working hard since the Hartford game and we’re a lot more upbeat as a team,” Haubrich said. “I think we’re ready to keep winning and go on to the next game.”
The Bearcats continue their home stand Sunday afternoon at the Events Center against conference rival Albany at 1 p.m.
“We’re just gonna come in and work hard,” said Kenny, regarding Sunday’s showdown. “We’re just going to keep practicing hard, and keep each other motivated and do what needs to be done.”