Box Score • Season Statistics • Infographic • Press Conference

BOSTON – The Northeastern Huskies closed out the regular season with a tough 42-58 loss to the visiting Drexel Dragons on Wednesday, March 4.
 
The Huskies showcased their heart and battled back from a large second-half deficit to close the gap with less than six minutes remaining.
 
Junior Samantha DeFreese drew a foul as the game clock read 5:23 and headed to the charity stripe to shoot a 1-and-1. After connecting on two free throws, the Huskies were within striking distance, 34-40. The Huskies then utilized some tough defense to force a contested shot by the Dragons and a defensive board for NU.
 
Over the next two minutes the teams went back and forth until senior A'lece Mark hit a 3-pointer to cut DU's lead to 43-37. On the ensuing in-bounds, Tanisha Hopewell recorded an outstanding steal, scored a basket, and drew a foul. She converted the free-throw attempt and the Huskies were within three, 40-43.
 
Drexel, however, answered with a 3-pointer on the other end and during the remainder of the game responded to each of NU's buckets with one of its own en route to the win at Cabot Center.
 
Mark led all Huskies in scoring with 18 points. She connected on six-of-13 from the floor, including hitting four-of-seven from downtown. This is the sixth time in eight games the senior has scored in double-figures and second consecutive game she has paced the Huskies in scoring.
 
DeFreese also pitched in a strong game, recording her 21st double-figure performance of the season. The junior from Bergenfield, New Jersey, proved to be critical as the Huskies looked to establish an inside presence. She recorded her sixth double-double of the season, accounting for 14 points and 10 rebounds.
 
As a team, the Huskies shot 28 percent from the floor, hitting on 13 of their 45 attempts. They corralled 40 rebounds to 25 by the Dragons, and scored a solid 16 points in the paint to six by Drexel.
 
NU opened the game with a strong first half, despite trailing 17-26 at the sound of the buzzer. Mark was at the head of the pack for Northeastern, recording a team-high 11 first-half points. She connected on four of her seven attempts from the floor, including three-of-five from downtown. Joining Mark on the stat sheet was DeFreese and Amencie Mercier, who accounted for a combined six points.
 
Although Drexel had one of its finest shooting halves of the season, connecting on six of its 13 attempts from downtown, the Huskies battled the Dragons with every possession. As a team, Northeastern shot 29 percent from the floor, hitting on six of its 21 attempts.  The highlight for NU and head coach Kelly Cole was not allowing Drexel to take a trip to the free-throw line the entire first half.
 
Prior to the game, the team honored its senior class of Amencie Mercier, Tanisha Hopewell and A'lece Mark. All three players leave a lasting impression on the program, and played admirably throughout the game.
 
Both Hopewell and Mercier served as Captains this year.
 
Next up for the Huskies is a trip to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, next week to compete in the Colonial Athletic Association postseason tournament. The tournament will take place from March 12 to March 15.
 
As of today, the Huskies are slated to tip-off on Thursday, March 12 against either the Tribe of William & Mary or Delaware Blue Hens. Full tournament information can be found here. 

Game Notes
• Northeastern is now headed to the CAA postseason tournament.
• A'lece Mark led all scorers with 18 points. 
• Samantha DeFreese recorded her sixth double-double of the season. 
• The Huskies finish the season 0-2 against the Dragons. 

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