For the Binghamton University women’s basketball team, the last home game of the season ended in a mun-Dane way. The Bearcats collapsed against the Albany Great Danes on Wednesday 63-49, guaranteeing them the fifth seed in next weekend’s America East tournament.
The loss is a depressing one for Binghamton, especially for the seniors who end their last season on a heavy note.
“It’s … disappointing,” said senior Laine Kurpniece. “We broke down the second half and it is definitely sad that we ended things like this.”
The Bearcats kept in pace with Albany throughout the first half, allowing the gap to extend no more than five points. Kurpniece and her fellow seniors, Laura Sario and Brianna Thompson, led the team in points while the Bearcat defense kept strong against the Great Dane offense. Both teams shot poorly, with Binghamton placing only 39.1 percent and Albany shooting 30.8 percent. Sophomore Muffy Sadler’s 3-pointer would have ended the first half in a tie; however, a foul by Kurpniece allowed Albany junior Tanika Thrower two free throws which ended the half 24-22.
The game remained tight, with both teams canceling out the other, but once the second half began, the Great Danes stepped it up a notch and the Bearcats could not keep up.
In less than five minutes, Albany broke open the game, leading by 10 points. While the Bearcats could not get their shots in, the Great Danes found loops in their defense and banged in the points.
In minutes, Bearcat fans watched their team crumble before their eyes. With 10 minutes remaining in the half, Albany was 18 points ahead, owning the game.
“We were very shaky with the offensive shooting,” said head coach Rich Conover. “We have to be more confident with the ball.”
The Great Danes seemed like a different team, shooting 51.7 percent and placing all 12 of their free throws.
“We played with a lot of heart in the second half,” said Albany head coach Trina Patterson. “You can’t press if you don’t have the heart.”
Binghamton tried to scramble back up with yellow and purple, but it would only get as close as 14 points. The game ended with a hopeful pair of free throws by junior Erin Owens.
Kurpniece shot a team-high total of 15 points. Albany’s freshman guard, Janea Aiken, placed a game-high 17 points while fellow teammate, senior Gia Sanders, added 14.
The Bearcats head up to Vermont to end their regular season 1 p.m on Saturday.