SAN JUAN — Almost as if it was meant to be,
India Pagan had herself a career day in Puerto Rico, leading Stony Brook to a 63-56 victory over Morgan State in the team's first game at the Puerto Rico Clasico.
Pagan is no stranger to the court at Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez as she practiced on that hardwood as a member of the Puerto Rico national team.
"Personally, it felt good to be able to play on that court and in Puerto Rico again in front of my family, friends, coaches and teammates from here," Pagan said. "I'm glad I was able to have a good game for the team and contribute to the win."
On that floor, the junior produced only her second ever double-double with 16 points and a career-high 13 rebounds.
Heading into the fourth quarter with a three-point lead, Stony Brook shot 55.6 percent in that final frame to hold off the Bears, who only managed to make 20 percent of its tries.
Kaela Hilaire came through in the clutch in the final stretch, swishing through two free throws, then putting in a layup with 1 minute, 19 seconds remaining to give Stony Brook a six-point cushion.
"We faced some adversity today, but we overcame it," Pagan said. "A lot of people stepped up and had big shots in crucial moments. We really came together as a team."
Although the Seawolves found themselves in a 17-11 deficit after the first quarter, the team came back firing in the second quarter to storm back and take the lead into halftime. Twelve of its 20 points in that frame came from beyond the arc as four different Seawolves players hit from long range.
"Our bench was terrific today. I'm so proud of our team and our players' ability to respond in adverse situations," head coach
Caroline McCombs said. "Today there were moments where we could have folded, but instead we chose to compete and make game-winning plays."
Victoria Johnson was big for the Seawolves' bench. She joined Pagan in double-figures with 10 points — seven of which came in the third quarter. With the game tied at 42 in that quarter, the junior-college transfer drained a big three-pointer to give Stony Brook a lead it would not relinquish.
Oksana Gouchie-Provencher also provided a balanced presence on the floor, swatting a season-high three shots to go along with eight points and a season-high eight rebounds. The redshirt junior now has 60 career blocks, which is tied for seventh in program history.
With a 10-1 record on the season, Stony Brook has tied its 11-game start from last season for the best in the program's Division I history.
The Seawolves look to complete the island trip unblemished when they face Western Michigan to wrap up the Puerto Rico Clasico. Tip is set for 1:30 p.m. EST on Sunday.
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH A HOOPS DOUBLEHEADER ON DEC. 29 AS THE STONY BROOK MEN HOST NORFOLK STATE AT NOON AND THE WOMEN HOST BUCKNELL AT 2 P.M. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.