William Smith basketball fell on the road in Liberty League play Tuesday, dropping an 81-40 decision to Ithaca. The Herons moved to 0-7 overall and 0-3 in the conference.
Ava Lobozzo and Carly Scott provided the bulk of the offense, each finishing with 11 points. Lobozzo added three rebounds, while Scott knocked down three three-pointers and matched the team high with five boards. McKenzie Mandyck chipped in seven points and a steal.
Ithaca relied on a balanced effort, with Madison Gill and Kenzie Perluke scoring 11 points apiece and combining for six steals. Mary Bernat added seven points and eight rebounds off the bench. The Bombers controlled the glass 51-30, recorded 20 assists, and forced 17 Heron turnovers.
William Smith opened the game strong, trading baskets with Ithaca throughout a competitive first quarter that featured 11 lead changes. The Herons’ outside shooting kept them close, hitting four threes to trail just 20-19 after 10 minutes.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Ithaca’s defensive pressure created transition chances and sparked a 21-7 period. The Bombers carried a 41-26 lead into the break.
Ithaca pulled away in the third quarter, shooting 56 percent while limiting William Smith to 16 percent from the field. Strong rebounding and bench production helped the Bombers stretch their advantage to 33 entering the final frame.
The Herons tightened up defensively in the fourth but were unable to generate consistent offense as Ithaca closed out the win.
William Smith returns to action on December 20 at FDU-Florham.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.