William Smith basketball mounted a fourth-quarter surge but couldn’t complete the comeback, falling 62-55 to Fredonia on the final day of the 58 Main BBQ & Brew Tip-Off Classic. The loss dropped the Herons to 0-3, while the Blue Devils improved to 4-1.
Junior Giana Lobozzo delivered an all-around performance, finishing with a team-high 16 points along with nine rebounds, six steals, and five assists. Miranda Martin added 11 points and four boards, and Amelia McCulley contributed nine points and five rebounds. Ava Lobozzo chipped in seven points and two assists.
Fredonia countered with strong interior play. Aliyah Hopkins paced the Blue Devils with 18 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Jakeira Stackhouse posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Jayssa Snelick added 11 points and eight boards as Fredonia controlled the glass with a 50-38 rebounding advantage.
Fredonia set the tone early by scoring repeatedly in the paint and limiting William Smith to nine first-quarter points. The Herons responded with a 21-point second quarter fueled by transition offense, pulling within one at halftime. William Smith briefly grabbed a four-point lead in the third before the Blue Devils countered again with another run inside.
Fredonia built its advantage to nine in the fourth quarter, and although the Herons chipped away late, the Blue Devils’ free-throw shooting preserved the result.
William Smith returns to action Tuesday, November 25, with a road trip to the University of Rochester for another nonconference matchup.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].