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RICHMOND, Va. - Massachusetts used a 13-4 run early in the fourth period to quell a La Salle comeback, earning their second straight first round victory in the Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Tournament, defeating the #14 Explorers 81-65, Wednesday night at the Richmond Coliseum for their sixth consecutive conference win.
The eleventh-seeded Minutewomen (12-17) enjoyed four players in double figures, led by the guard combo of Cierra Dillard and Bria Stallworth, who scored 24 and 17 points respectively. Rashida Timbilla registered a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Alyx Stiff added 11 points. Sophomore Maggie Mulligan almost tripled her rebounding average, pulling down eleven boards to go with eight points.
Timballa, who grabbed her 1,000th career rebound early in the contest, credited a renewed consistency in all facets of the game for their late-season surge.
"We're doing the little things. In the last six games, we've tightened up, and we've been more consistent on every single play," Timbilla said. "
"We love the ninety-foot game," said Massachusetts head coach Sharon Dawley. "Our break is our major theme right now, and with our guard play, we're able to get the ball down quickly. Cierra is scoring better now because we're clicking on all cylinders, so she is getting better looks."
La Salle (5-25) struggled from the field, shooting just 33 percent, led by Micahya Owens' 27 points and nine rebounds. Adreana Miller added 15 points, while Third-Team All-Atlantic 10 guard Amy Griffin, saddled by foul trouble, was held below her scoring average with 12 points.
"I don't think we lived up to our expectations, not just tonight, but this season," said La Salle head coach Jeff Williams. "It's about work, and what's it's going to take to get to the next level. There is not a lot of separation within the conference. But I don't think we've had the depth we've needed. I am looking forward to next year."
The Minutewomen advance to battle sixth-seeded Fordham in Thursday's second round at 7pm. The Rams defeated Massachusetts in their lone regular season meeting 60-55 in Amherst on February 6th.