Dec. 30, 2006

Box Score

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Kelly Watson and Jessica Smith combined for 43 points but it was not enough as the Stony Brook women's basketball team fell to St. John's, 85-74, in its final non-conference game of the season at the Stony Brook University Arena on Saturday night. The loss drops Stony Brook to 4-8 while St. John's improves its record to 4-8.

"We need to work on our team defense heading into America East play," said head coach Maura McHugh. "In order to be successful in conference play, we need a total team effort on both ends of the court."

St. John's jumped out to an early 23-13 lead after Monique McLean connected on a jumper in the paint with 8:58 remaining in the first half. The Seawolves fought back utilizing an 18-6 run to reclaim the lead at 31-29. Stony Brook's lead grew to as many as five and took a two-point advantage into the locker room at 34-32.

Both teams traded baskets early in the second half until the Red Storm started to pull away when Joy McCorvey connected on a layup with 4:46 left in the game, giving the Red Storm a seven-point advantage at 67-60.

Stony Brook pulled within four on a Mykeema Ford three-pointer with 2:24 remaining in the game but St. John's held off the Stony Brook attack hitting on 6-6 from the free throw line to seal the game, 85-74.

Watson, the America East player of the game, led the Seawolves with a season-high 22 points. Smith added 21 points and seven rebounds and Ford had 15 points in the loss.

For the Red Storm, McLean had a career-high 32 points, including 10-11 from the charity stripe. Kia Wright had 17 points and five rebounds off the bench in the win.

The Seawolves return to action on Thursday, January 4, when they open up America East play against Hartford at 7 pm.