The William Smith basketball team connected on nine three-pointers and held off a late rally to earn a 60-56 Liberty League victory at St. Lawrence on Saturday afternoon. The Herons led by as many as 12 points before sealing the win at the free-throw line in the final minute.
Senior Carly Scott paced William Smith with a career-high 15 points, knocking down five 3-pointers on 5-of-10 shooting. Junior Amelia McCulley added 11 points, while junior Dani Krenzer provided a lift off the bench with eight points, matching her career high. William Smith’s perimeter defense played a key role, holding the Saints to 2-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc after St. Lawrence entered the game leading the league in 3-point percentage and makes per game.
The teams were tied 18-18 after the first quarter, with William Smith shooting efficiently while St. Lawrence stayed close at the line. The Herons took a 33-28 lead into halftime behind an 11-3 second-quarter run sparked by Krenzer. William Smith stretched the margin to 49-42 after three quarters, fueled by back-to-back triples from McCulley and Scott.
St. Lawrence mounted a late push in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to one in the final minute. The Herons answered with timely free throws, including key makes from McKenzie Mandyke and McCulley, to close out the win.
William Smith returns to Bristol Gym on Friday, January 23, when it hosts Union in Liberty League play with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].