The Tribe advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2001.
Tribe Advances to First Semifinal Since 2001
Vicki Friedman
Championship Central |
Box Score |
Highlights |
Photo Gallery |
William & Mary Postgame |
Delaware Postgame
HARRISONBURG, Va. (March 9, 2017) – Fourth-seeded William and Mary is in the semifinals of the CAA Women’s Basketball Championship for the first time in 16 years after knocking off fifth-seeded Delaware, 59-44, on Thursday at the JMU Convocation Center.
Senior
Marlena Tremba scored a game-high 23 points on 6-of-14 shooting, five of those treys. The First-Team All-CAA selection amassed 12 of her points in a fourth quarter when the Tribe outscored the Blue Hens 19-7.
The last time William and Mary (20-10) reached the semifinals of the conference tournament was in 2001. Delaware failed to reach the final four of the conference tournament for the first time since 2009.
How it Happened
Three-point shooting propelled the Tribe, which drained eight of its 17 long-ball attempts, including Tremba burying 5-of-10.
William and Mary never trailed but the Blue Hens pulled within one at 38-37 with 29.3 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The Tribe embarked on an 11-2 run that included back-to-back 3s by Tremba and one by
Jenna Green.
Trailing, 46-39, Delaware (16-13) rallied behind
Erika Brown’s three-pointer and looked to have two more after a steal, but
Nicole Enabosi was called for the travel that negated the transition layup. The Tribe closed the game scoring its final six from the line.
By the Numbers
- William and Mary scored the first five points and held Delaware scoreless for the first 4:26 of the game.
- The Tribe, up 31-25 at the break, were led by
Latrice Hunter’s nine in the first half.
- Junior
Jenna Green added 12 points and
Latrice Hunter had 11 points for William and Mary.
- The Tribe connected on 9-of-10 free throws; Tremba was 6-of-6.
- Brown finished with 15 for Delaware and
Makeda Nicholas added 10.
- William & Mary set the program record with their 20th victory of the year.
They Said It
William and Mary Head Coach Ed Swanson: “We gave a championship effort here.”
Swanson on Tremba: “Marlena imposed her will on offense and defense. She came down with same great rebounds down the stretch.”
Swanson on his team’s defense: “We’re tough to score on when we’re focused and connected on defense.”
Tremba on making the semifinals: “It’s a great feeling. The past few years we haven’t won the first game. It’s just good to move on.”
Swanson on playing No. 1 Elon in the semifinals: “We’re going to have to defend. They’re well balanced. We’re not going to change all that much. I love the effort and energy we played with today and we’re going to have to be more connected tomorrow.”
Swanson on his team’s success: “They’re persevered. It hasn’t all been easy. They changed the expectations of our program.”
Delaware Coach Tina Martin on the loss: “We really struggled to get shots and to finish… Today was a frustrating day offensively for sure. William & Mary did a great job of collapsing and we weren’t able to knock down the outside jumper.”
Delaware’s Erika Brown: “We didn’t come out ready for how good they’ve been playing. . . Our turnovers hurt us especially and then our rebounding. We let them get too many offensive rebounds…We were right there. It was just one extra shot or one extra made basket. We just couldn’t get over the hump.”
Delaware’s Enabosi: They did a good job of doubling down in the post. They really sunk in. They crowded the paint. That made it difficult for us because we like to play inside-out.”
Next Up for William & Mary
William and Mary advances to play top-seeded Elon in Friday’s 4:30 p.m. semifinal. Elon swept the Tribe this season.