Box Score HENNIKER, N.H. The New England College women's basketball team improves to 6-1 in New England Collegiate Conference action, following the Pilgrims 65-61 win over Becker College Thursday evening.
With the win, the Pilgrims move to 13-4 overall and 6-1 in NECC action, while the Hawks fall to 5-11 on the year and 4-3 in league action.
HOW IT HAPPENEDThe Pilgrims had a strong start as they jumped out to a 6-0 lead just under two minutes into the game. However, the Hawks stormed right back with nine straight points for a 9-6 lead just a couple minutes later. Play then evened out as New England College held a narrow 20-18 lead at the end of a very competitive first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Pilgrims took an early edge but Becker gained some momentum for a 12-2 run as they found themselves up 32-28 with three minutes remaining in the half. New England College then closed the quarter out with a 9-2 run for a 37-34 lead going into the break.
Daleia Boutwell led the Pilgrims with 10 points in the first half while Cassidy Harrison had 17 for the Hawks.
Play remained even in the third quarter as Becker was able to reclaim the lead at 40-39 three minutes in. After several leads changes New England College held a 45-43 lead with four minutes remaining in the quarter. The back-and-forth play continued as the Pilgrims held on to a 51-50 lead heading into the final quarter of play.
Neither team could gain an edge as both sides traded baskets leading to a 56-56 tie with five minutes remaining in regulation. The Pilgrims then took a 9-0 run for a 65-56 lead with 1:30 remaining. The Hawks were able to cut the lead to 65-59 and gain possession with 45 seconds as they tried to make something happen. Becker was able to get two points and then make a stop as they had the ball down 65-61 with 21 seconds left. This time the Hawks came up empty as New England College won the game 65-61.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS-
Daleia Boutwell led the team with a season-high 18 points.
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Brianna Pierreval posted her first double-double of the year with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
-The Pilgrims played a very balanced game as they dished out a season-high 22 assists to Becker's 8.
-With the win, NEC is now 4-0 all-time against the Hawks.
WHAT'S NEXTThe Pilgrims stay at home for some more NECC action as they host the Bulldogs of Dean College on Saturday, January 25th at 1:00 pm.
