DARTMOUTH, Mass. — The Bowdoin College women’s basketball team dominated the fourth quarter to fend off UMass-Dartmouth, 75-67, on Thursday evening.

The top-ranked Polar Bears (7-0) outscored the Corsairs (6-1) 18-7 in the final period to put the hosts away and deal them their first loss of the campaign.

The game was tight for the first three quarters, with Bowdoin trailing at halftime for the first time all season, 40-39. The squads traded blows in the third quarter as the Corsairs maintained a thin 60-57 edge heading into the fourth quarter.

Bowdoin quickly evened the score at 60 apiece to open the frame and, after UMass-Dartmouth briefly regained a 62-60 edge, rolled off an 8-0 run to take command. Abby Kelly and Taylor Choate scored five points each in the final frame as the Polar Bear defense completely suffocated the Corsairs, allowing just one field goal in the final quarter while forcing six turnovers.

The decisive blow was delivered by Choate, who nailed a 3-pointer that put the game out of reach, 71-64, with three minutes remaining.

Kelly and Choate proved to be the difference for the Polar Bears, as Kelly notched a team-high 20 points while also recording five steals for Bowdoin. Choate had 18 points with three steals. Maddie Hasson recorded 16 points, eight rebounds and four steals in the victory, while Samantha Roy added 11 points.

Jess Korzec scored a game-high 21 for UMass Dartmouth.

Bowdoin finished at 38-percent shooting for the game and overcame a 5-for-20 performance from 3-point range and 51-percent shooting by the Corsairs thanks to 30 turnovers by UMass-Dartmouth, leading directly to 20 Polar Bear points. Bowdoin owned a slim 34-32 edge in rebounding and proved to be clutch from the free-throw line, where the Polar Bears connected on 22-of-27 for the game, including 9-of-12 in the fourth quarter as the Corsairs attempted to climb back into the contest.

Bowdoin finishes off its first semester on Saturday as it hosts rival Bates in Morrell Gymnasium at 3 p.m.

Hockey Skate

The Bowdoin men’s and women’s squads will host their annual “Skate With the Polar Bears” food drive on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. inside Sidney J. Watson Arena.

Admission to the open skate is one non-perishable food item or paper product to be donated to the local food bank. The free skate is open to all ages. Children are encouraged to bring a protective helmet and a marker to get autographs from their favorite Polar Bears. Autograph sheets will be provided.

“The holiday season is when food banks need our help the most,” says men’s hockey coach Jamie Dumont. “The demands of the season dwindle their supplies and this is a great way for us to help them replenish.”

“This is always been a fun event, dating back to my time as a Bowdoin student,” says women’s coach Marissa O’Neil. “Not only is it for a great cause, but it’s exciting to see our youngest fans interact with their favorite players.”

 

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