COBLESKILL, N.Y. – The Husson University women's basketball team fell in North Atlantic Conference action on Thursday evening, dropping a 62-47 decision to SUNY Cobleskill women's basketball at Iorio Gymnasium.
The opening quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams working through early shooting struggles. Husson (13-8, 12-3 NAC) generated looks around the rim but was limited to eight points in the first 10 minutes, while Cobleskill (12-9, 9-6 NAC) capitalized on second-chance opportunities to take a 14-8 lead. Sophomore Saige Evans accounted for half of the Eagles' first-quarter scoring and anchored the paint on both ends.
Husson found a better rhythm in the second quarter, stringing together stops and attacking inside to keep the game within reach. The Eagles closed the gap to four points during the period behind continued interior scoring from Evans and a spark off the bench from sophomore Aubrey Kachnovich. Cobleskill, however, answered late with timely baskets to take a 31-22 advantage into halftime.
Cobleskill seized momentum coming out of the locker room, outscoring Husson 15-8 in the third quarter. The Fighting Tigers converted in transition and controlled the glass, building a double-digit cushion that carried into the final frame.
Husson showed resilience in the fourth quarter, knocking down four three-pointers and outscoring Cobleskill 17-16 over the final 10 minutes. Sophomore Lilly Roy connected twice from deep, and Evans continued to attack the paint as the Eagles worked to chip away at the deficit. Cobleskill sealed the outcome at the free-throw line and with key interior finishes in the closing minutes.
Evans led Husson with 19 points and 10 rebounds for her 11th-consecutive double-double, while Kachnovich added eight points off the bench. Roy finished with eight points, including a pair of three-pointers.
As a team, Husson shot 30.5% from the field and 20.0% from three-point range, while going 7-for-8 at the free-throw line. The Eagles totaled 34 rebounds, forced 11 turnovers, and received 17 points from the bench, but Cobleskill held a 49-34 rebounding edge to help secure the conference victory.
The Eagles will look to rebound on Saturday when they head to SUNY Delhi for a 3 p.m. tip-off.
