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No.8 Boston University Stuns Maine, 63-51
March 10, 2005
WEST HARTFORD, CONN. - Boston University became the first eight seed in conference history to defeat the No. 1 seed as the Terriers downed the Black Bears, 63-51, in quarterfinal action of the 2005 Friendship Cottage Cheese America East Women's Basketball Championship at Chase Arena at Reich Family Pavilion on the campus of the University of Hartford. Boston U. advances to take on No. 4 Vermont in the semifinals. Neither Maine nor Boston University shot the ball particularly well on the afternoon, but the Black Bears connected on just 26.3 percent of their field goals (15-of-57), which was the fifth-lowest percentage in championship history. The Terriers shot 38.3 percent from the floor (23-of-60). America East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Kim Corbitt (Albany, N.Y.) played just 14 minutes for the Black Bears after aggrevating a shoulder injury late in the first half. Senior forward Monica Peterson (Wilmington, Del.) led the way for Maine with double-double (14 points and 10 boards), with sophomore forward Bracey Barker (Bar Harbor, Maine) adding 11 points and five rebounds, and sophomore guard Ashley Underwood (Augusta, Maine) connecting on three 3-pointers and was perfect from the foul line at 2-2 to finish with 11 points. Boston University had four players score in double figures. Rachael Vanderwal led the way for the Terriers with 15 points, while Adrienne Norris (11 points-10 rebounds), Cheri Raffo (10 points) and Katie Meinhardt (10 points) all scored in double-digits as well. Maine trailed at halftime 28-22 and pulled to within four points twice in the second half, but could not get any closer. Coach Versyp commented on what could possibly be this group's last game together, "We never got into a rhythm, I'm very proud of this group, they kept battling and never gave up. We had to move our players around due to injuries, and players stepped up."
Maine falls to 20-9 on the season while Boston University improves to 14-15 and advances to the semi-finals of the America East tournament. The Black Bears' season may not be over yet as they have an outside chance of receiving a bid to the 2005 Women's National Invitation Tournament. Maine will find out Monday if they receive an invitation. |
