AMHERST, MA —

The Amherst College women's basketball team opened the new year with a thrilling double-overtime victory, defeating Emerson College 78–69 on Saturday afternoon in LeFrak Gymnasium. After leading early, the Mammoths found themselves locked in a back-and-forth battle for almost the entirety of regulation and overtime, ultimately pulling away with a dominant second overtime to secure the win.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:

• Both teams started the game trading baskets, but the Mammoths were able to generate a 9-point margin at one point and finished the first quarter up by 7 (23-16).

• Emerson responded in the second quarter, steadily chipping away at the deficit. The Lions' pressure narrowed the gap to just two points by halftime, sending the teams into the break with Amherst holding a narrow 36–34 lead.

• The third quarter opened with a prolonged scoring drought, as neither team found the basket for the first four and a half minutes. Emerson eventually broke through to tie the game, and the quarter featured multiple lead changes. The Lions entered the fourth quarter with a 47–45 advantage, handing Amherst its first deficit since the opening quarter.

• The fourth quarter continued the back-and-forth momentum, with both teams trading layups and free throws. With just under a minute remaining, Laura Mendell converted a layup to give Amherst a 61–59 lead. Shortly after, an Amherst foul sent Emerson to the free-throw line, where the Lions knocked down both shots to tie the game at 61–61 with 21 seconds remaining. Amherst had a chance to win at the buzzer, but the final shot did not fall, sending the game into overtime.

• Amherst struck first in overtime with a layup 20 seconds in, but Emerson quickly answered. The teams continued to exchange baskets throughout the period, and the first overtime ended in a tie, 69–69.

• The Mammoths took full control in the second overtime. Elizabeth Cain opened the scoring with a layup, igniting a decisive 9–0 run. Amherst's defense held Emerson scoreless for the entire second overtime period, allowing the Mammoths to pull away and seal the 78–69 victory.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Laura Mendell led the team in points with 24.

• Two Mammoths recorded double-doubles: Annie McCarthy with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Chase Anderson with 10 points and 11 rebounds. 

• As a team, the Mammoths shot 32.6% from the field, 21.4% from the 3-point line, and 77.8% from the free-throw line.

UP NEXT:

• With the win, Amherst now moves to a 9–1 overall record.

• The Mammoths will travel to Springfield, Massachusetts, to face Springfield College for their next game on Tuesday, January 6th at 5 p.m. in Blake Arena.