On Saturday, Nov. 16, the University of New Hampshire women’s basketball team took on Boston University, winning 69-60.
The Wildcats took the lead early with two three-pointers, one from Clara Gomez and the other from Sydney Lusher. Boston University didn’t get on the board for almost three minutes scoring a layup and quickly answered with a three-pointer from Eva DeChent, the first of her career-high 34 points of the night.
“Eva is an extremely talented player that can score in a variety of ways,” commented head coach Megan Shoniker.
Boston trailed the entire first period with only scoring layups. UNH was consistently getting their layups along with three-pointers from multiple players, including one from Maggie Cavanaugh off a steal from Gomez in the last two and a half minutes in the period. The first period ended with BU scoring a layup by Allison Schwertner, but still trailing by six points.
The second period was rocky for both teams with multiple missed shots, turnovers, and even a foul on BU’s Sisi Bentley. DeChent was the first to score in the second period with another three-pointer, which was followed by a three-pointer from BU. This period was the lowest scoring out of the four, but UNH still held the lead. The half ended with an 11-3 run, consisting of two layups from Belen Morales Lopez, and a layup from DeChent and Gomez for UNH. BU’s Bella McLaughlin scored three in the middle of the run.
The third period was a major setback for the Wildcats, with BU scoring seven points in the first two minutes. UNH saw many missed shots throughout the game and BU was able to swing the score in their favor.
“We were not being disciplined on the defense end and were fouling way too much,” said Shoniker.
They had multiple runs where UNH did not score or only scored a few points. In the third period, the Wildcats only put up seven points compared to BU’s 22 points, closing UNH’s lead to two points.
The fourth period was when DeChent shined the most in the night, scoring 20 of her 34 points. Of those 20 points, 12 were free throws at the line due to BU fouls.
“I just didn’t wanna lose, so I was trying to do anything I could not to lose,” said DeChent.
BU had a quick run that tied the score with a three-pointer from Alex Giannaros and a layup and free throw from Schwertner. This brought the game neck and neck until the end.
“I felt like their press took us out of rhythm and our kids were settling from the perimeter and not attacking the paint,” said Shoniker.
Cavanaugh contributed a three-pointer, which led to her having a season-high 13 points. The game ended with DeChent scoring twice at the free-throw line.
“Coming here, I feel like myself again,” said DeChent.
The Wildcats will be back at Lundholm Gymnasiumon Tuesday, Nov. 26 to take on Holy Cross. This game can also be watched on ESPN+.