WASHINGTON, DC - In an overtime thriller, SUNY Morrisville defeated Gallaudet University, 74-69, Saturday afternoon to earn the title of 2021-22 United East Women's Basketball Champions. With the victory, the Mustangs improve to 19-7 on the year and have earned the automatic qualifier into the NCAA Championship. They will find out where they are going on Monday at 2:30 p.m.
The Bison had the strong start as they took an early 10 point lead over Morrisville in the first quarter. Morrisville used the help of the long ball to get them back within a basket before the period ended. The second quarter mirrored that, with Gallaudet once again getting off to the fast start and Morrisville clawing its way back in. The Bison would lead, 37-33, going in halftime.
The third period proved to be an even match up with each team picking up 12 points, but it was the Mustangs who had the upperhand in the fourth, taking the lead in the waning minutes. It looked like that lead would hold, but baskets from Cassidy Perry knotted things up with 10 seconds to go, forcing overtime.
In the extra time, Gallaudet went up by as much as five, but back-to-back 3-pointers from Taylor Colone-Microni spurred a Mustang comeback. The Bison tried to keep up but were unable to regain the lead.
Cara Walker had a tremendous game for the Mustangs, earning her Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. The first year racked up 20 points, most of which came in key moments. She added to that six rebounds and five assists. Helping add to that offense was Rachel Vieira, who notched 20 points herself, including 12 from beyond the arc. Under the hoop, Brooke Hammersley excelled as she hauled in 10 boards.
Gallaudet finishes its season with a record of 16-9. THe Bison were led by Perry who tallied a double-double with 20 points and 11 boards. Malia Zornoza also registered a double-double, snagging 11 boards and 12 points.
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The United East has nine NCAA Division III member institutions which include: Gallaudet University, Lancaster Bible College, Morrisville State, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland and Wells College. The United East also includes three associate members in the sport of men’s golf including Rosemont College, Rutgers University – Camden and Wilson College. The United East has also partnered with the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference in the sports of men's and women's lacrosse and the North Atlantic Conference in men's tennis and women's tennis. For more information, please visit: gounitedeast.com.