The William Smith College basketball team completed a Liberty League weekend sweep in the North Country this afternoon. The Herons dominated the boards in a 73-56 win at Clarkson University.
William Smith had three players reach double digits in the scoring column. First-year Amelia McCulley led the way with season-highs of 18 points and five steals. She connected on 8-of-13 shots from the floor, including two 3-pointers. McCulley also posted a team-high three blocked shots. Senior Brooke Jarvis logged her second straight double-double and sixth of the season, notching 16 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. Sophomore Mara Bledsoe finished with 13 points and seven boards. Classmate Mckenzie Mandyck gave the Herons nine points off the bench.
The Golden Knights also placed three in double figures led by Raelin Burns’ 16 points. Cassidy Dumond finished with 15 points and Addie Kea had 11.
COACH’S COMMENTS
“Winning back-to-back, on the road, in the North Country is really hard to do. I couldn’t be prouder of our efforts, especially on the defensive end. We fought hard and most importantly, we fought together. I’m excited to watch this team keep growing!” – Head Coach Lindsay Sharman
KEY STATS
- William Smith shot 45.9% from the floor against CU. It was the Herons’ second highest percentage of the season, trailing only last night’s 47.5% at St. Lawrence.
- William Smith owned the glass, enjoying a 48-23 rebounding advantage. At plus-25, the Herons haven’t enjoyed a better rebounding margin since Jan. 13, 2023 (+31 vs. Bard).
- Clarkson’s 23 rebounds matched its season low.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- William Smith seized the early lead with a 7-3 run.
- The Golden Knights countered with six straight points to grab a 9-7 lead.
- The Herons reclaimed the lead with six consecutive points of their own and never looked back.
- William Smith shot 60% from the floor in the opening quarter, carrying a 23-17 lead into the second.
- The second quarter was a defensive struggle, but the Herons won it 14-8 for a 37-25 lead at the break.
- Burns connected on back-to-back 3-pointers in the third quarter to pull Clarkson with eight.
- William Smith answered the threat with nine straight points, including five from McCulley, to push their advantage back into double digits where it stayed for the rest of the contest.
FOR THE RECORD
- The Herons upped their record to 4-13, 4-6 in the Liberty League.
- The Golden Knights slip to 3-13, 1-8 in conference play.
HEADED HOME
- William Smith will return to the friendly confines of Bristol Gym to host Ithaca (13-3, 7-2) and RIT (6-10, 5-4) next weekend. The Herons will battle the Bombers Friday, Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. and then take on the Tigers Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].