COLCHESTER, VT. – The No. 20/16 nationally ranked Assumption University women's basketball team closed out each half strong, as they defeated Saint Michael's College 69-43 in Northeast-10 Conference action Wednesday evening at the Vincent C. Ross Sports Center.
 
THE BASICS
Score: No. 20/16 Assumption University 69, Saint Michael's College 43
Records: Greyhounds (21-3, 16-3 NE10), Purple Knights (5-21, 1-19 NE10)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Saint Michael's opened the first quarter in good form, beginning on an 8-2 lead as the Hounds struggled offensively out of the gate. Eventually, Assumption worked their way back into the contest as Amanda Mieczkowski converted a layup at 3:07 to trail 12-8. Those points would be the last of the first quarter, as the Purple Knights would lead 12-8 after one. 
 
The home side did not let up in the beginning minutes of the second quarter. However, the Hounds began to shoot better, as Emma Dahl tied the game at 6:38 with a long-range shot. Molly Stokes continued the offense with back-to-back threes followed by a layup, suddenly giving the visitors an eight-point advantage. Stokes ended her hot first half with another three-pointer, giving her 14 at the break. Assumption led 31-21 after 20 minutes played. 
 
The third quarter was back-and-forth for the most part, with Saint Michael's making a quick run out the gate to get within five. However, Assumption would withstand the pressure and extend back up to a 12-point lead with only the fourth quarter remaining. The Hounds ran the Purple Knights all game, breaking the game open to a 59-38 lead with 3:11 to go, beginning the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run. In the end, the Hounds used a 24-10 fourth quarter and 20 points from Stokes to race past the Purple Knights and emerge victorious, 69-43. 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Stokes led the way for the Greyhounds with 20 points on 5-7 shooting from deep.
• Assumption scored 47 points in the second and fourth quarters tonight, more than Saint Michael's in regulation.
• The Greyhounds outrebounded the Purple Knights 39-30 while dominating the paint 36-20).
• Assumption is now 42-12 all-time against Saint Michael's and has won eight straight matchups.

 
UP NEXT

• AU at Southern New Hampshire, Saturday, February 24, 1:30 pm
• SMC at Adelphi, Saturday, February 24, 1:30 pm

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