AMHERST, MA —

The Amherst College women's basketball team, seeded No. 3 in the NESCAC, opened conference tournament play Saturday afternoon against No. 6 seed Connecticut College. The Mammoths generated an early lead with strong defense and smooth offensive flow and closed out the game with a 77–55 victory. This win advances Amherst to the semifinals of the NESCAC Tournament next weekend, hosted at Bowdoin College.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Mammoths started the game with high energy, scoring the first five points and taking early control. Amherst then built on this lead and finished the first quarter ahead by seven, 16–9.

• In the second quarter, Amherst continued their momentum with key defensive stops and transition layups. The Mammoths went into halftime holding a 17-point advantage, leading 35–18.

• In the third quarter, Amherst kept it rolling, going 14-for-16 from the free-throw line and dominating on both ends of the floor. By the end of the quarter, the Mammoths had extended their lead to 24.

• In the final quarter, Amherst continued to move the ball well on offense while playing aggressive defense, sailing to a 77–55 victory.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Five Mammoths recorded double-digit points tonight: Elizabeth Cain with 15, Reagan Pahl with 14, Chase Anderson with 12, Anna Tranum with 11, and Annie McCarthy with 10.

• Amherst finished with 6 steals compared to Connecticut College's 2.

• The Mammoths controlled the boards, out-rebounding the Camels 41–30.

UP NEXT:

• With this win, Amherst moves to an 18–7 overall record.

• The Mammoths will continue their NESCAC playoff run on Saturday, February 28, when they travel to Bowdoin College to face Bates in the NESCAC semifinals at 4:30 p.m.