LEWISTON, ME - The Smith College basketball team fell to Bates College (26-3) in overtime, 74-70, after leading by as many as 18 points in the second half. Junior Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) poured in 19 points with six rebounds and three assists, while Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) posted another double-double with 13 points and 13 boards.

The Bears see their season come to an end with an overall record of 28-2.

The first quarter began with back-and-forth scoring, but the Bears established an early advantage with effective shooting and defensive rebounds. Martin contributed significantly with a jumper at 8:44, tying the score at 2-2, and later capitalized on a technical foul at 1:57, extending the Bears' lead with free throws. Virginia Johnson's (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) defensive rebound at the last second capped a quarter where the Bears led 17-10. 

The Bears extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring Bates 22-13. Johnson made a significant impact with a defensive rebound and promptly assisted Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) for a fast break layup at 9:11. Johnson continued her stellar performance by scoring a layup at 8:31 and a three-pointer at 7:32. Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park) also contributed crucial points, including a three-pointer at 5:28 that established the Bears' largest lead of the quarter, 30-12. Bates responded with key baskets from Ava James and Sophie Spolter, but the Bears maintained control with effective scoring, including a jumper by Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) with 2:11 left and went into the half ahead 39-23.

The Bobcats scored back-to-back buckets to start the third before a layup by Williams. A 7-0 run midway through the third put the Bears up 48-34 at the 5:05 mark, but Bates chipped away and got it to a 10-point game under a minute to go before Johnson's bucket to close out the period.

In the fourth quarter, Bates mounted a strong comeback effort, closing a significant gap with a 17-5 advantage over the Bears. Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) provided an early highlight for the Bears with a three-pointer at 9:02, assisted by Hackney, extending their lead to 13 points. However, Bates responded with a series of successful plays, including a layup by Petra Kuncz at 9:29 and a key jumper by Sophie Spolter at 6:46. Bates' Mya Hicks tied the game with a three-pointer at 0:36, setting the stage for a tense final minute. Despite the Bears' efforts, the quarter ended with the score tied at 60-60.

In overtime, Bates secured a 74-70 victory over the Bears. The period saw back-and-forth scoring, with Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) initially putting the Bears ahead 62-60 with a jumper at 4:18. The Bobcats responded, taking control with a layup and free throw from Elsa Daulerio, followed by a three-pointer from Mya Hicks, extending their lead to 69-64. Despite a late three-pointer and free throw by Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest), Bates held their ground, with Sarah Hughes sealing the game with two free throws at the 0:01 mark.
 
About the NEWMAC

The NEWMAC is an association of 12 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, U.S Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Salve Regina University, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an educational and respectful environment that embodies the NCAA Division III Philosophy. The conference also partners with eight Associate Members: Brandeis University (Women's Lacrosse, 2026-2027), New York University (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), Norwich University (Football), Simmons College (Rowing), SUNY Maritime College (Football), SUNY New Paltz (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Football), and Vassar College (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), while sponsoring 20 sports.