Box Score 
DARTMOUTH - The Tufts University women's basketball team (5-1) defeated the UMass Dartmouth Corsairs (6-3) by a score of 76-59 on Saturday at Dartmouth. The Jumbos shot the three-ball quite well in this game, shooting nearly 40-percent (11-28) from beyond the arc. Though the Corsairs managed to get within five in the third quarter, the Jumbos continued their hot shooting streak in the waning minutes of the game to return to the win column.
Three Jumbos turned in double-digit performances, with two eclipsing 20 points. Guard Molly Ryan scored 23 points (12 of which came from three-pointers), three rebounds and three assists, as well as four steals. Graduate student Erin Poindexter McHan built on the successes of her previous game, posting 22 points, two assists, and two steals, while shooting an impressive six of nine from 3. Forward Maggie Russell posted her fourth double-double of the season, scoring 16 points and 15 boards. Freshman guard Annika Decker led all players in assists, throwing six dimes.
The game started off quickly for both the Jumbos and the Corsairs, with both teams shooting the ball efficiently, trading threes, layups, and the lead several times over. The Jumbos began with very efficient scoring from the perimeter, while UMass Dartmouth pushed their way into the paint effectively. Tufts went up 22-16 with a rainbow three from Ryan, but the Corsairs answered back with a three and a floater of their own to finish the period 22-21 Jumbos.
The Corsairs regained the lead early in the second quarter, going up by just a point, but another dagger three from Ryan put the Jumbos back on top. This sparked a 9-0 Jumbo run, aided by strong play in the paint on offense as well as effective perimeter defense, finally cut short by a Corsair layup around the five-minute mark. Though UMass Dartmouth answered back, key layups and free throws brought the Jumbos up to a 40-28 lead by the end of the half.
The third quarter began similarly for both teams, with a strong back-and-forth offensive performance for both teams. Tufts managed to bring their lead up to as high as 14, but a 16-7 run brought the Corsairs within five points. Another spot-up three off the hands of Ryan seemed to be a catalyst for this explosive Jumbo offense, which managed to keep the Corsairs at bay.
The final period of the game began strongly for Tufts, with a three from Poindexter McHan, her fourth made three by that point in the game. The Corsairs continued driving into the paint with effective dribble penetration, keeping the Jumbo lead within reach. In last five minutes of the match, the defensive intensity ratcheted up on both sides, forcing difficult looks for both offenses. Tufts was able to answer back, and two more rainbow threes from Poindexter McHan brought the Jumbo lead back up to 13. In the waning minutes of the game, the Jumbos never let off the gas, and a final Ryan three sealed the game for the Jumbos.
The Jumbos will return home to Cousens Gymnasium for their next two games. They will face Worcester Polytechnic on Wednesday at 7 PM, and MIT next Saturday at 1 PM.
Written by Max Chow-Gillette, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
