SCHENECTADY, N.Y.—Capital Region native
Julie Hooper scored a career-high 19 points, but a late basket by the Union Dutchwomen allowed the home team to eke out a 64-63 victory over Hooper's William Smith squad. From nearby Delmar, Hooper's game-high came on 8-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-5 from behind the three-point arc.
William Smith trailed 59-57 with 3:30 remaining when
Colleen Lukas collected an offensive rebound and was fouled. She made both free throws to tie the game for the seventh and final time. Hooper made a steal on Union's ensuing possession leading to a jumper by
Kristen Kush that gave the Herons a 61-59 lead with 2:57 remaining. She finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
Lindsay Hage made 1-of-2 free throws to complete her 11-point effort and pull the Dutchwomen with a single point. Lukas answered with a three at the other end of the floor, capping a seven-point game and giving William Smith a 63-60 lead with 2:16 to go.
Following a missed three by Union, the Herons missed three consecutive shots, but grabbed three straight offensive boards before turning the ball over. The sequence wound the clock down to just 56 seconds. The Dutchwomen finally snapped the scoring drought on a layup by Lauren McCormick (16 pts, 9 rebs) with 40 ticks remaining to make it a 63-62 game.
Leah Pepe (12 pts) stole the ball away from William Smith with 18 seconds remaining and gave her team the lead with a layup four seconds later. The Herons did not get off a shot before the final buzzer.
Ashlinn Barber came off the bench to give William Smith 17 points and six rebounds. The Herons (4-9, 0-3 Liberty League) held a 39-34 edge on the glass.
Megan Clark also reached double figures for Union (4-9, 2-1), recording 13 points.
Both teams made 23 field goals. The Herons sank three more from long range (6-3), but got beat 15-11 at the free throw line. The Dutchwomen converted 68.2 percent of their freebies (15-22), while William Smith succeeded on 64.7 percent (11-17).
The Herons will be back in action on Jan. 22, when they host Vassar. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.