WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The New England College women's basketball team closed out Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play with a 72-61 road loss to the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.). The Pilgrims finish conference action with a 6-6 record.
Both teams traded baskets throughout the opening frame, with the Blue Jays holding an early 6-4 edge. After a brief scoring lull, junior Bailey Burke (New Bedford, Mass.) knocked down a pair of free throws to tie the game at 6-6 with 4:42 to play. The back-and-forth battle continued late in the quarter, and senior Ajayah Lively (Victorville, Calif.) drove to the basket in the closing seconds to give NEC a 16-15 lead after one.
The Pilgrims extended their lead to 20-15 behind a jumper from Lively and a driving layup by junior Camryn Lewis (Taunton, Mass.). Saint Joseph responded with a pair of threes from Maddy Evans and Trinity Cruz to even the score at 23-23 midway through the quarter. The Blue Jays then used a 9-0 run to take a 32-24 advantage. The 'Grims answered before the break, fueled by a three-pointer from junior Delvonna Newsome (Fresno, Calif.) and a jumper from freshman Jennifer Orisma (Miami, Fla.), trimming the Blue Jays' lead to 32-31 at halftime.
The teams continued to trade the lead early in the third before Saint Joseph pushed ahead with a 12-0 run to open up a double-digit advantage. Lewis converted two free throws and junior Jayden Estrada (La Mirada, Calif.) connected from beyond the arc to cut the lead to four with 2:31 remaining in the quarter. The Blue Jays capitalized at the free throw line down the stretch to carry an eight-point lead into the final period.
Saint Joseph maintained its momentum in the fourth, pushing its lead back to double digits. Lewis converted a layup to bring NEC withing single digits with five minutes to play, and senior Mackenzie McDonald (Boscawen, N.H.) added a late three to make it a seven-point game with under a minute remaining. However, the Blue Jays converted key free throws in the closing moments to secure the 72-61 victory.
Lively led the Pilgrims with 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Lewis recorded her 14th double-double of the season with 15 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, adding three assists and two steals. Burke chipped in seven points along with six rebounds.
The Pilgrims wrap up the regular season on Saturday, hosting Lesley University for a 1:00 PM non-conference matchup. The program will also celebrate Senior Day, honoring its graduating student-athletes.
For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
