Simmons Basketball extended their winning streak to six games on Tuesday evening with a win over conference foe Johnson & Wales, 72-67, tying the program record for most consecutive wins in a season (1995-96), and tying the program record for second-most wins in a season (16 wins in 2002-03).
The Sharks turned the game around after trailing in the first half with solid teamwork and leadership from seniors Lauren Kreckie (Braintree, Mass.) and Sarah Clayton (Falmouth, Mass.). With the win, Simmons improves to 16-6 and 7-2 in GNAC play, while Johnson & Wales falls to 11-11 on the season and 6-3 in the GNAC.
"The team really showed a lot of character tonight winning on the road in a very hostile environment," said Head Coach Tony Price. "The crowd was tough, but it was a great atmosphere."
Junior forward Stephanie Fox (West Springfield, Mass.) led Simmons with a hefty 27 points and 10 rebounds. Junior guard Julianna Eagles (Quincy, Mass.) added 13 points, eight assists and six boards for the Sharks.
Johnson & Wales jumped out to an early 20-5 lead after a jumper by Junior Alexia Ramirez (San Marcos, Calif.) with 10:07 remaining in the first half. The Wildcats led by as many as 18 in the first half and took the 41-29 lead into the locker room at halftime. Simmons was held to just 35% from the field while committing eight turnovers.
Simmons chipped away at the JWU lead in the early stages of the first half and cut the lead to 57-54 on a layup by junior forward Aubree Giarrosso (Rockport, Mass.) with 7:51 left in the contest. The Sharks pulled within one point after a pair of free throws by sophomore guard Morgan Johnson (Waterbury, Conn.) with 7:07 remaining, making the score 57-56. The Sharks took their first lead of the game when a jumper by Fox put the squad up 61-60 with 3:20 on the clock. Simmons then controlled the action down the stretch, hitting 8-of-9 from the free throw line in the final minute of play to take the 72-67 win.
"Stephanie Fox played like a true star, and Julianna came up big again with solid play at the point guard position with scoring and assists, but as been the case, we had stellar performances from our reserves," said Price. "Jess Thomas did a tremendous job on defense for us and Morgan Johnson was able to get to the basket for some much needed points."
The Sharks return to action when they face off against Rivier College on Saturday, February 14 at home at 1:00pm. The game will be a Women's Basketball Coaches Association "Pink Zone" event, with proceeds donated to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Research Fund.