Saints Earn Crucial GNAC Win Over New England College, 71-52

BOSTON – A season-best three-point shooting night led Emmanuel Women's Basketball (12-11, 9-3 GNAC) past New England College (13-11, 8-5 GNAC), 71-52, in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play Wednesday night on Andy Yosinoff Court. The Saints shot a season-high 52.9% from beyond the arc to earn the crucial victory and keep themselves in position to host a first round GNAC Tournament game.

Paris Atuahene (Phoenix, Ariz.) got the Saints started early with a three-pointer on the team's first possession of the game. Emmanuel extended their early lead to 9-3, but the Pilgrims responded with an 8-0 run to take an 11-9 advantage. The two sides traded points throughout the remainder of the first quarter and ended the period in a deadlock at 19-19.

An excellent second quarter defensive effort allowed the Saints to take and extend a lead. After a Kathleen Rodriguez (McFarland, Calif.) layup two and a half minutes into the quarter, the Saints held New England College scoreless for the next 6:29. The Pilgrims shot 3/14 over the 10 minutes as Emmanuel outscored the visitors 15-6 and took a 34-25 advantage into the break.

The Saints stifling defensive effort continued into the third quarter as they held the Pilgrims to 1/12 shooting, but the visitors found their way to the line seven times and hit all seven free throws to stay within striking distance. Emmanuel was only able to extend their lead by four, leading 48-35 after 30 minutes of play.

A fourth quarter takeover from Olivia Matela (Swampscott, Mass.) secured the vital win for the Saints. Matela shot 4/4, including 3/3 from beyond the arc, and scored 11 of her 22 points in the final 10 minutes. Emmanuel went on to take down the visiting Pilgrims 71-52.

A 52.9% three-point shooting percentage along and nine made threes were both season-bests for the Saints. Matela led the Saints scoring effort with her 22 points to go along with six assists and four steals. Atuahene added 16 points in the win. For New England College, Amya Moss (Norfolk, Va.) led the way with 13 points while Kathleen Rodriguez contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.

Up next, New England College will take a trip to New Haven, Conn. for a GNAC matchup with Albertus Magnus on Saturday (2/17) at 1:00 P.M. The Saints will have a quick turnaround as they make their return to GNAC play tomorrow night (2/15) at Dean with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 P.M.