Things looked bleak the last time students got to see the Binghamton women’s basketball team in action. The team had just lost its fifth straight game, a laugher against Villanova, and two of the team’s most essential players, Laura Sario and Shea Kenny, were about to be lost to injury for extended periods of time.

Rather than folding under the pressure, the Bearcats came together and pulled out some clutch victories, and coupled with several close losses they worked to a 4-5 record over the break. With victories over a few key America East teams, the lineup finally at full strength and Sario playing like a Finnish Michael Jordan, things are looking better for the Bearcats than they have all season.

Here’s a look at how they got to where they are today:

Dec. 16 vs. Colgate, 79-54 W

The Bearcats snapped a five-game losing streak by dominating the Red Raiders 79-54 at the Events Center. With stars Laura Sario and Shea Kenny watching from the bench, five Bearcats reached double figures in points, including freshman Erica Carter, who led all players with 16 points, going 4-for-4 from three-point range. Carter was named America East Rookie of the Week for her play against Colgate.

Dec. 19 at Bucknell, 65-63 L OT

The Bisons beat BU in a heartbreaker, 64-63 in overtime on a last-second layup to doom the visiting Bearcats. Binghamton trailed Bucknell by three late in regulation when Erica Carter drilled a three-pointer to send the game into overtime. Junior center Juta Jahilo had a career-high 16 points and junior forward Laine Kurpniece added 15 points and 10 rebounds, playing her most complete game since returning from suspension. Bucknell is currently in first place in the Patriot League.

Dec. 30 vs. Syracuse, 68-65 L

The Orange avenged last season’s loss to BU, downing the Bearcats 68-65 in a come-from-behind victory at the Events Center. With the score tied at 60 with 4:56 to play, Syracuse converted three consecutive baskets to take the lead for good. Freshman Muffy Sadler continued to display her ability to lead the team, putting up 11 points and eight assists.

Jan. 4 vs. Albany, 63-59 L

The close calls continued for the Bearcats, as they fell to Albany 63-59 in overtime in the America East opener. The visiting Danes fell behind early in overtime 57-55, but rattled off six consecutive points to seal the victory. Junior guard Laura Sario returned to the lineup for the Bearcats after missing time with a leg injury and led the team with 17 points in 40 minutes; Laine Kurpniece added 10 points and 11 boards.

Jan. 8 at Cornell, 60-59 W

Laura Sario poured in a career-high 25 points to lead the visiting Bearcats to a 60-59 victory over the Big Red and snap their three-game losing streak. The Bearcats led by 13 at halftime, behind 17 first-half points from Sario, but allowed Cornell to get dangerously close at the end. The Bearcats put the game away with a late 7-0 run, highlighted by a 3-pointer from senior guard Rebecka Lindgren.

Jan. 10 vs. Maine, 54-49 W

The Laura Sario show continued for the Bearcats as her game-high 18 points and eight rebounds helped Binghamton take down Maine 54-49 at the Events Center. The Black Bears used a 14-4 run to take the lead late in the second half, but the Bearcats used two baskets and a steal from sophomore forward Laura Franceski to put the game out of reach; Franceski finished with nine points and two blocks. Shea Kenny returned to the lineup for the Bearcats and registered two rebounds in 15 minutes.

Jan. 13 at UMBC, 60-50 L

The Retrievers shook off a game-opening 10-0 run from the visiting Bearcats to win the AE showdown 60-50. After five lead changes and two ties in the first half, UMBC went into the locker room leading by four and never trailed again. Sario continued her torrid shooting, registering a team-high 18 points, and Rebecka Lindgren added 15. Juta Jahilo pulled down 11 rebounds for her second double-digit effort of the season.

Jan. 17 at New Hampshire, 68-55 L

BU fell to 0-3 in overtime games with its 58-55 overtime loss to the Wildcats in Durham. With the score tied at 53 at the beginning of the extra period, UNH guard Whitney Edwards drilled a three to put the Wildcats ahead and they never trailed again. The Bearcats once again got off to a hot start but failed to hold the lead, jumping to an early 7-2 advantage. The loss dropped the Bearcats to 2-6 in games decided by four points or less. Sario scored in double figures for the ninth straight game, netting 14 points, while junior forward Brianna Thompson added 14 points as well.