Box Score • Season Statistics • Infographic • Press ConferenceWILMINGTON, N.C. – Five Huskies –
Samantha DeFreese,
Amencie Mercier,
Maureen Taggart,
Kazzidy Stewart and
Francesca Sally – all finished their afternoons in double-figures, but the Huskies fell just short against the UNCW Seahawks, 84-78, on Sunday, Feb. 15.
Mercier had a fantastic day, scoring a career-high 20 points. The senior captain shot very well from the floor, connecting on seven-of-12 attempts, including a mark of three-of-four from beyond the arc. She ran the offense extremely well, accounting for five assists on the afternoon.
Taggart went nearly perfect from three-point range, hitting four-of-five of her shots. She wrapped up her afternoon with 13 total points. Stewart added 11 points of her own, hitting five of her seven attempts from the floor. Sally, meanwhile, helped the Huskies establish a presence in the paint as she finished with 11 points on five of 12 shooting.
DeFreese came on late offensively, scoring all 10 of her points in the second half.
The Huskies dominated throughout the game, leading for just less than 23 minutes. Despite being down late in the second half, the team battled back, bringing it within four points twice in the final 90 seconds.
NU put together an excellent shooting performance down the stretch, but the Seahawks were able to answer each of the Huskies' buckets with one of their own.
As a team, the Huskies made 31 of 59 attempts from the floor for a mark of 52.5 percent. Most of their success came from downtown, where they went 10-for-17.
NU also had its way in the paint, scoring 38 of its points there. Both the rebounds and turnover numbers were similar as NU grabbed 28 boards to 31 for UNCW, and committed 13 turnovers to 12 by the Seahawks. The reserves for Northeastern had a stellar day, outscoring the Seahawks' by a 24-8 margin.
The first half was one to remember for the Huskies. Northeastern finished with a six-point lead, 44-38, behind its best shooting performance for a single half this season.
As a unit, the Huskies connected on 17 of their 27 attempts. Most of their damage, however, came from beyond the arc, where they went seven-for-nine. Six different memebrs of the team scored at least three points, while four made at least one 3-pointer.
Mercier was the top dog for the Huskies in the first half. She finished with 13 points, converting on four of her six attempts. The Pierrefonds, Quebec native, however, wasn't alone in her effort. Taggart and Sally both had memorable first halves, contributing nine and eight points, respectively. The freshman made the most of her shots from downtown, making three of her attempts.
Sally, on the other hand, provided Northeastern with an inside presence, as all eight of her points came in the paint. Coach
Kelly Cole's reserves came to play, adding 17 points in the first half.
The Huskies now have five games left to close out the regular season. Two will be at home, with the first coming on Thursday, Feb. 19 against the Elon Phoenix. That game is slated for a 7 p.m. start.
Three days later, on Sunday, Feb. 22, the Huskies will play host to the Cougars of Charleston. Coach Cole and the team will be wearing pink as the team looks hosts its annual #Play4Kay game. NU also will welcome back its alumni for the game. The Huskies and Cougars will tip off at 2 p.m.
Game Notes• Amencie Mercier scored a career-high 20 points.
• Five different Huskies finished their nights in double-figures.
• Northeastern is now 1-1 against UNCW this season.
• Maureen Taggart went four-for-five from downtown. For complete coverage of Northeastern women's basketball, follow us on Facebook (GoNUwbasketball), Twitter (@GoNUwbasketball), and Instagram (@GoNUwbasketball). The Huskies also run their own blog, The Husky Huddle, for fans eager to learn more about the team and hear from the coaches and players directly.
Check out exclusive live and on-demand videos of Northeastern Athletics at GoNU.com/xstream and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram (GoNUathletics), Twitter (@GoNUathletics) and Facebook (GoNUathletics). For tickets, visit GoNU.com/tickets or call (617) 373-4700. .
