STONY BROOK, N.Y. - The Stony Brook University women's basketball team led for nearly 38 minutes of the game and never lost its lead this afternoon at the Island as the squad defeated Holy Cross, 68-55, to move to 4-0 this season.
The Seawolves had three players score in double figures, led by Khari Clark, who had 17 points, six rebounds and three steals. Zaida Gonzalez tacked on a season-high 15 points and Gigi Gonzalez helped out with 11 points and two steals.
Stony Brook pulled down 44 rebounds in Sunday's game compared to Holy Cross' 41, led by Sherese Pittman's nine boards. The Seawolves also cleaned up on the offensive glass, turning 11 offensive rebounds into two second chance points. On the defensive end, the squad forced 14 Holy Cross turnovers and turned those takeaways into 18 points on the offensive end of the floor. Clark's three steals led the way for Stony Brook.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After jumping out to a 10-5 advantage, Stony Brook went on a 14-0 run with 2:43 left in the first quarter, culminating with a three from Clark, to increase its lead to 24-5, a score that would hold for the rest of the period. Stony Brook relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down five shots to account for 15 of its 24 first-quarter points.
Stony Brook kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 7-0 run starting at the 3:57 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Clark, to increase its lead to 36-15. The Crusaders cut into that lead, but the Seawolves still enjoyed a 39-22 advantage heading into halftime. Stony Brook dominated in the paint, scoring eight of its 15 points close to the basket.
After intermission, Stony Brook held on to its advantage and owned a 52-41 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Stony Brook dominated inside near the basket, scoring eight of its 13 points in the paint.
Stony Brook continued to build on its lead, using a 5-0 run to grow the lead to 68-55 with 20 seconds to go in the contest, a score which would hold for the rest of the game. Stony Brook took advantage of six Holy Cross turnovers in the quarter, scoring five points off of those takeaways.
STATS AND NOTES
- Stony Brook held the Crusaders to only 33.8 percent shooting from the field.
- The Seawolves never trailed after taking a 24-5 first quarter lead. It was the least amount of points they gave up in a quarter since they allowed four points in the fourth quarter against Hofstra last season.
- Stony Brook had a 44-41 edge on the boards in the win.
- The Stony Brook defense forced 14 turnovers.
- Stony Brook cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
- Clark led the Seawolves with 17 points. She now has 15 or more points in all four games for the Seawolves this season and leads the team in points per game with 18.0.
- Stony Brook got nine rebounds from both Pittman and Shamarla King. It marked a new season-high for both forwards.
- This was the first-ever meeting between these two programs.
- Stony Brook's 4-0 start to the season is the best since the they started 8-0 in 2021-22.
QUOTES FROM THE SEAWOLVES
NEXT UP
Stony Brook is back in action on Thanksgiving Eve as the squad is set to face Delaware State at noon. The game will be streamed live on FloHoops.
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