Wellesley Basketball Downed by Springfield, 68-34

WELLESLEY, Mass.- Springfield senior Sam Hourihan (Birdgewater, Mass.) scored her 1000th career point as the Pride won a 68-34 New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) game over Wellesley College basketball on Saturday afternoon at Dorothy Towne Fieldhouse.

Houlihan's 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists were all team highs, while two other athletes also scored in double figures for the Pride (12-5 Overall, 2-0 NEWMAC). The Blue (7-10 Overall, 1-2 NEWMAC) were led by nine points from both senior Pujita Shukla (Austin, Texas) and junior Jiyun Chae (Chantilly, Va.). 

The Blue struck first on a backdoor cut layup from first year Arla Hofer (Las Vegas, Nev.) set up by a pass from Shukla. Springfield scored 10 of the next 15 points, highlighted by a three pointer from first year Stefany Padula (Franklin, Mass.). The teams stayed even throughout the quarter with Springfield leading 11-9 after one. 

The Pride controlled the second quarter with Hourihan scoring six in the period. Springfield scored 18 unanswered points with Hourihan picking up three steals and a block. Wellesley first year Shannon Li (Los Altos, Calif.) scored the final five points of the quarter to make the game 29-16 going into the half. 

After an early three by Wellesley Junior Anna Greenthal (Orinda, Calif.) the Pride ran their lead to 22 at 44-22. A late three from Chae meant Springfield led 44-25 after three.

The forth quarter so both teams get to the free throw line frequently. Hourihan poured in most of the points for Springfield, picking up her 1000th career point with 2:39 left in quarter. Springfield went on to close out a 68-34 win.

The Blue travel to Emerson on Wednesday for a 7:00 PM NEWMAC game. The Pride play host to MIT on Wednesday at 7:30 PM.