USMMA Eclipses Women's Basketball in Skyline Opener

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The St. Joseph's University, N.Y. (Brooklyn) women's basketball team dropped a 66-36 decision to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in their opening Skyline Conference contest on Wednesday evening from The Hill Center.

How it Happened

Behind offensive efforts from Kristen Donovan (Maspeth, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) and Destiny Hurt (Elmont, N.Y./Sewanhaka), as well as the SJBK defense forcing nine USMMA turnovers, the visitors held a lead of no more than two possessions; concluding the period with a slim 12-9 edge.

The lead alternated four times to begin the second stanza. The final 3:10 saw the Mariners close the period on a 10-0 to take a 25-16 lead into the half.

The first 11 points of the third quarter went the way of the Mariners, giving them a sizable 36-16 lead. Donovan and Hurt were able to find the cup but USMMA would fail to relinquish their double-figure advantage; holding a 49-23 lead thanks to a 24-7 period.

Despite keeping pace in a 17-13 fourth quarter, the deficit was too much for St. Joseph's to climb out of, suffering the 66-36 loss to the defending Skyline Conference champions.

For the Bears

• Donovan had a game-leading 19 points to go with five steals and as many rebounds. 

• Hurt finished with 14 points, five boards, and three takeaways.

• Mercedes Perez (San Antonio, Texas/William Howard Taft) and Grace Kennedy (Maspeth, N.Y./Monsignor McClancy) each collected eight caroms.

• Shanna Bliss (Astoria, N.Y./Bryant) totaled four rebounds.

Up Next

The Bears continue their conference journey this Sunday, December 3 against Yeshiva University at 3 pm. The game will take place at Baruch College's ARC Gymnasium.