BOSTON, Mass. – Senior Hailey Malozzi (Maynard, Mass.) posted nine points and seven rebounds, but the University of Massachusetts Boston jumped out to an early lead and never relinquished control in an 83-52 win over Plymouth State University in a Little East Conference (LEC) women's basketball game at Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium on Wednesday afternoon.
 
The Beacons used a 14-4 game-opening spurt to take control early. Senior Sophie George (Meredith, N.H.) connected on a three-pointer and junior Ashley Stephens (Pembroke, N.H.) converted inside to trim the deficit, but UMass Boston responded. The hosts relied on a stifling defensive effort and efficient shooting to maintain control the rest of the way.
 
Malozzi led the Panthers with nine points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Stephens chipped in eight points, two rebounds and two steals.
 
Plymouth State drops to 8-6 (1-5 LEC), while the Beacons improve to 10-5 (4-2 LEC).
 
 
The Basics:

• Plymouth State 52, UMass Boston 83
  • Plymouth State (8-6, 1-5 LEC)
  • UMass Boston (10-5, 4-2 LEC)

Top Performers:

• Plymouth State
  • Hailey Malozzi (9 pts, 7-10 ft, 7 reb, 4 ast)
  • Ashley Stephens (8 pts, 3-6 fg, 3 reb, 2 stl)
  • Alex White (5 pts, 6 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk)

How it Happened:

• UMass Boston scored eight straight points as part of a game-opening 14-4 spurt to grab an early lead.
• George's three-pointer and a Stephens bucket cut the margin to 14-9 midway through the first quarter.
• The Beacons responded with a 9-1 surge, including a three-pointer at the buzzer, to lead 23-10 after one.
• Freshman Alex White (Derry, N.H.) scored five straight points in the second quarter, but UMass Boston hit from beyond the arc as time expired for a 46-24 halftime lead.
• The Panthers offense settled in to start the third quarter, with Stephens and senior Elli Cox (Derryfield, N.H.) scoring in the paint before another George triple made it 52-32 midway through the frame.
• Plymouth State had a 13-5 run early in the fourth quarter but the deficit was too large to overcome as UMass Boston secured the 83-52 win.

By the Numbers:

• Plymouth State battled on the boards but was edged by a 31-27 margin.
• The Panthers grabbed 10 offensive rebounds.
• PSU held a 7-6 advantage in second chance points.
• Bench points went to UMass Boston, 29-21.
• Plymouth State holds a 42-34 edge in the all-time series.

 
Up Next:

• The Panthers travel to UMass Dartmouth on Saturday (Jan. 17) for a 1 p.m. tipoff.

 
 
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