When the Hartford Hawks come to town, they bring an elite type of basketball that is unmatched in the America East, much like their 64-58 upset win over Temple in the first round of the NCAA tournament two years ago.
The league-leading Hawks’ championship mentality was certainly present Wednesday night as they defeated the Binghamton University women’s basketball team 71-63 at the Event Center. The loss snapped BU’s five game home win streak.
“We didn’t bring our A-game for 40 minutes,” said BU sophomore Erica Carter. “We need to handle the pressure better.”
Carter led Binghamton (8-16, 6-5 AE) to a 34-27 lead at halftime while pairing 11 points and two assists. She finished with a game-high 16 points, for her seventh consecutive double digit performance.
Hartford (20-5, 10-2 AE) used a 17-7 run in the second half to go up 55-49 with 9:23 remaining in regulation. It was a lead it would not surrender.
“We played with confidence,” said Hartford head coach Jennifer Rizzotti. “We had good consecutive defensive possessions early in the second to change the momentum.”
BU has struggled in the second half in recent games and Wednesday night was no exception.
“We seem to always struggle coming into the second half,” said BU senior Brianna Thompson. “They jump on us and we put our heads down.”
The Hawks used tough-nosed defense to wear down the Bearcats.
“They did different things on defense,” said BU head coach Rich Conover. “It got us out of our rhythm.”
Hartford’s one-two combination of Danielle Hood and Erica Beverly wrought havoc down low, as the duo scored a combined 26 points.
“They’re outstanding players,” said Conover. “Good footwork and they get around the post well.”
BU was able to cut the deficit to 67-62 with 2:02 remaining in the second half. But a missed free throw and two Bearcat turnovers sealed the game. The Hawks drained four free-throws in the last 32 seconds to preserve the win.
“We have to respond better,” said Conover. “We need to be excited to be in a close game.”
Thompson added 14 points and two rebounds off the bench for the Bearcats. Classmate Laura Sario scored 12 points, four rebounds and four assists while committing five turnovers.
The Hawks shot nearly 59 percent from the floor in the second half compared to 45 percent for the Bearcats.
Binghamton will wrap up its three-game-home stand against Maine on Saturday at 2 p.m.
“It is a must win situation for us,” said Conover. “Six and six is a lot different than seven and five.”