Feb. 24, 2007

Box Score

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook outscored Vermont 19-10 in the third frame to beat the Catamounts, 96-87 in overtime at the Stony Brook University Arena on Saturday afternoon. The Seawolves' 96 points represents the largest point total in their Division I history and most since the 2002-2003 season when they beat New Hampshire, 90-72. Stony Brook moves to 16-10, 12-2 in conference play. Vermont is 16-11, 6-8 and has lost three in a row.

"These type of games are what it's all about this time of year," said head coach Maura McHugh. "Jess and Mykeema have always stepped up when a challenge presented itself and tonight was no different."

After Dana Ferraro hit a layup with 23 seconds left in regulation, Stony Brook did not allow Vermont a look at the basket and sent the game into overtime. Following May Kotsopoulous' layup early in the overtime, Jessica Smith and Vermont's Courtnay Pilypaitis traded baskets until Smith converted on a three-point play, giving the Seawolves an 86-83 lead with 2:19 remaining. Stony Brook stretched the lead to nine, 94-85 and won 96-87. Stony Brook shot 7-10 from the field and 5-7 from the line in overtime.

Vermont opened up the game making 12 of its first 18 shots to grab a 30-11 lead midway through the first half. Stony Brook chipped away and cut the lead to three, 48-45, after Leah Getz hit a jumper in the paint. Vermont took a 50-45 lead into the break when Andrea Cihal connected for her 10th point of the half. Smith had 19 first half points for the Seawolves who shot 46 to Vermont's 64 percent.

After Vermont stretched the lead to six on a three pointer from Brittney Cross, Stony Brook tied the score at 57 when Leah Getz had a three-point play and took the lead off a fast break layup from Mykeema Ford. The Catamounts didn't go quietly tying the game, 68-68, off a jumper from Alison Brown. Vermont took a five point lead utilizing a 6-1 run to make the score, 74-69. Ferraro and Ford each had four points down the stretch to help the Seawolves send the game into overtime.

Smith tied her career-high with 30 points previously set against Vermont in 2005 and was named America East co-player of the game. Smith went 14-24 from the field and added nine rebounds. Ford had 22 points and eight assists, Ferraro had 15 points and eight rebounds and Cheri Davis recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Cihal led five scorers in double figures with 20 points and 12 rebounds and was named America East co-player of the game. Sy Janousek had 18 points, Pilypaitis and Cross each scored 13 and Kotsopoulos had 10 points.

Stony Brook is back in action when they travel to Albany to face the Great Danes on Wednesday, February 28. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm.