BOX SCORE
UNION, N.J. - The second-ranked Kean University women's basketball
team held off Bowdoin in the sectional semifinals of the NCAA
Division III Tournament on Friday evening, 62-51. The Polar Bears,
who were making their first "Sweet Sixteen" appearance since 2007,
end their campaign with a record of 22-7.
The Cougars (29-1), who used a lengthy run before and after
halftime to take control of the game, advance to tomorrow's
sectional final where they will play Rochester for a trip to the
Division III "Final Four".
Bowdoin had Kean on the ropes in the first half, using an 11-2
run, capped by a Kaitlin Donahoe three-pointer, to take a 28-19
lead with four minutes left in the period. But the hosts answered
with a trifecta from Naimah Clemons, and five-straight points
Brittany Powell, that sparked an 11-0 run to give the Cougars a
30-28 edge at the half.
Kean delivered more of the same early in the second half,
dominating in the paint on another 11-0 run to push their lead to
10 points, 42-32, with 15:30 remaining.
The Polar Bears refused to bow, however, and mustered one more
rally. Trailing by 11 with 8:45 to play, Caitlin Hynes and Leah
Rubega knocked down consecutive shots to key an 8-0 surge. Katie
Bergeron knocked down a three-pointer with five minutes on the
clock that trimmed the lead to just three points, 54-51.
Bowdoin did not score again, however, and Kean ended the contest
on an 8-0 run to seal the win.
Both teams struggled offensively, as Bowdoin connected on just
30.5% of their shots compared to Kean's 34.5%. The Polar Bears did
the job on defense, holding Kean to a season-low in points, but
committed 21 turnovers and allowed 21 offensive rebounds to the
Cougars that resulted in 19 second-chance points.
Bergeron led Bowdoin with 17 points while Rubega scored 13
points and grabbed 17 boards. Clemons (18 points, 13 rebounds) and
Tiffany Patrick (12 points, 13 rebounds) both posted double-doubles
for Kean.
The loss closes out the fantastic career for Bowdoin's senior
class of Rubega, Hynes and Sabrina Cote. The trio were one of the
most successful classes in Division III basketball over the last
four years, earning a pair of NESCAC titles, four NCAA Tournament
appearances and 94 career wins.
