ROCHESTER, N.Y. (February 3, 2018) – Freshman
Sam Winter recorded 14 of her career-high 21 points in the second half as the Stevens Institute of Technology women's basketball team pulled away in the final minute to defeat Nazareth College 65-59 Saturday in an Empire 8 Conference matchup at Kidera Gymnasium.
Senior
Megan Brown recorded her eighth double-double of the season with 13 points and 15 rebounds for the Ducks, who snapped a four-game losing streak with their 11th straight victory over the Golden Flyers. Stevens improved to 9-12 on the season and 6-6 in the E8. Brown's 13-point performance moved the Laurel, Maryland native to within three points of the 1,000-point mark for her career. Brown's final two points of the day came at the line to seal the victory.
Rachel Benedict recorded a career-high 28 points to lead Nazareth, who saw its four-game winning streak halted. The Ducks remain a game behind the Golden Flyers in the Empire 8 standings, with four games remaining.
Turning Point
- A pair of Benedict free throws erased a double-digit Stevens lead, tying the score at 52.
- On the ensuing possession, Lizzie Straub fouled Winter on a three-point attempt.
- The Oley, Maryland sank all three of the resulting free throws to give the visiting team a 55-52 lead.
- Benedict would sink a three to again force a tie, but the Ducks turned to their senior leader and Brown delivered, converting a feed from junior Megan Anderson into two points to return the lead to Stevens.
Inside the Numbers
- Although the teams nearly shot an identical percentage from the field, the Ducks shot 40 percent (10-of-25) in the second half.
- Led by five each from Benedict and Samantha Peebles, Nazareth shot 11-of-23 (48%) from behind the arc. Conversely, Stevens shot 7-of-16, with Winter accounting for three of the Stevens' seven threes.
- Nazareth edge Stevens 37-36 on the boards, although the Ducks held an 11-6 advantage on the offensive glass. The offensive rebounding margin led to a 10-7 edge for Stevens in second-chance points.
- Stevens held an 18-4 edge in points in the paint and turned 21 Nazareth turnovers into 18 points.
- Brown and Peebles led all players with five assists. It was Brown's ninth time leading the team in helpers.
- Brown and sophomore Alison Criswell each nabbed three steals.
- Winter and Brown combined to shoot 13-of-15 (87%) from the free throw line. Stevens hit six free throws in the final minute.
From the Court
- "I thought our huge defensive stops and commitment to being more physical paid off tonight."
- "I am very proud of this group. After a tough loss [last night], they continue to believe in each other and fight."
Up Next
- Stevens welcomes Alfred University to Hoboken for a Friday-night matchup on Feb. 9.
- The Ducks bested the Saxons, 69-58, on Jan. 6.
- Live stats and video links on StevensDucks.com
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