Box Score Video Highlights
BALTIMORE - UMBC junior forward Pandora Wilson (Gaithersburg, Md./Academy of Holy Cross) set the tone early with four points in the first 30 seconds to give UMBC a lead over UMass Lowell that would reach 22 points in the fourth quarter. Wilson completed her third double-double this season, setting a career high with 28 points and adding a game-high 12 rebounds in the Retrievers' 68-52 victory over the River Hawks.
Junior guard Taylor McCarley (Bowie, Md./Academy of Holy Cross) bested her previous season high by a point and added a team high eight helpers. Her 30 points in the victory marks the fourth time this season she has topped 20 points as the two Academy of Holy Cross grads combined for 58 of UMBC's 68 points.
It was the second straight America East conference victory for the Retrievers, who improve to 6-6 in conference play (15-10 overall) and trail the University of Harford for the fourth seed by just a single game. The team has four contests remaining before the conference tournament begins March 5th at Binghamton University.
The River Hawks struck first with a jumper from junior guard Nicole Hayner in the first minute of play, but would find themselves behind, 10-2, before hitting another shot. Another junior guard, Asia Mitchell-Owens led the River Hawks (4-21, 1-12 America East) with 15 points, after scoring just three points in the teams' first meeting this season.
UMBC forced 23 UML turnovers and outscored the visitors, 29-11, in points off miscues.
Wilson converted 13-of-23 shots from the floor and eight of her rebounds came on the offensive end. In UMBC's two wins this week, she sunk 24-of-40 attempts (60 percent) and averaged 25.5 points per game.
McCarley hit 12-of-20 from the field, added eight assists and hit all six free throw attempts.
Junior guard Emily Russo (Woodbine, Md./Glenelg) brought in seven rebounds while stripping the River Hawks a game high four times.
The Retrievers head back to the RAC Arena this Wednesday, Feb. 17, to take on the Hartford Hawks. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
