WALTHAM, Mass. – The Husson University women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season in dominant fashion Friday evening, tying the program's single-game record for points in a quarter with a 38-point third period en route to a commanding 92-54 victory over Gallaudet University at Red Auerbach Arena in the opening day of the Brandeis University Tip-off Tournament.
The 38-point outburst in the third quarter marked the first time the Eagles had reached that total in a quarter since February 2016, when Husson established the program record against Green Mountain College.
The Eagles (1-0) used a balanced offensive attack and relentless defensive pressure to pull away from the Bison (0-1), placing five players in double figures while forcing 32 turnovers and converting them into 39 points.
Junior Saige Evans led the way with a double-double, finishing with a game-high 24 points and 13 rebounds, including seven offensive boards. Evans shot 9-of-15 from the field and added two assists and a steal.
Husson got off to a slow start offensively, falling behind 4-0 before responding with 24 unanswered points to close the opening quarter. Junior Lilly Roy sparked the comeback with consecutive layups, while sophomore Abby Radel, Evans and freshman Addison Cyr helped fuel the early surge. The Eagles' defense held Gallaudet scoreless over the final 8:58 of the period, forcing 10 turnovers and limiting the Bison to just 2-of-15 shooting to take a 24-4 advantage into the second quarter.
Gallaudet found some offensive rhythm in the second period, outscoring Husson 18-15 behind a pair of three-pointers from Evangeline Diaz. However, Evans continued to control the paint, helping the Eagles maintain a comfortable 39-22 lead heading into halftime.
The Eagles put the contest out of reach in the third quarter, erupting for 38 points to tie the program's single-game record for points scored in a quarter. Husson outscored Gallaudet 38-16 during the period, extending its advantage to 77-38 entering the final 10 minutes.
With the outcome firmly in hand, Husson continued to receive contributions throughout its lineup in the fourth quarter, adding 15 points to secure the 38-point season-opening victory.
Cyr finished with 13 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting performance in her Husson debut, while collecting five rebounds and a blocked shot. Sophomore Sophia Carnes added 11 points, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc, while contributing three steals, two assists and a block.
Roy rounded out the Eagles' double-digit scorers with 10 points and six rebounds, while Radel provided eight points, five assists and three steals. Freshman Dalaney Horr chipped in seven points, and classmate Avery Clark contributed six points and three steals off the bench.
As a team, Husson shot 48.7 percent (38-of-78) from the field and dominated the interior, outscoring Gallaudet 64-28 in the paint. The Eagles also held a 42-36 rebounding advantage, collected 19 offensive boards and finished with 18 steals. Husson's reserves contributed 26 points, while the Eagles held a 20-4 advantage in fast-break scoring.
The Eagles advance to the title game of the Brandeis Tip-off Tournament, where they will battle the hosts of Brandeis on Saturday at 2 p.m.
