In the upcoming week, the UMBC Women’s Basketball team is gearing up for an exciting start to their 2025 America East Conference season. The Retrievers will host Binghamton on Saturday at 2 p.m., with the game airing live on ESPN+. This match follows a remarkable non-conference victory where UMBC demonstrated exceptional performance and teamwork. The team's recent success highlights their potential as they prepare to face off against a formidable opponent.
Game Details and Team Performance
In the heart of winter, the UMBC Retrievers (7-5) delivered a commanding performance in their final non-conference game, defeating Bryn Athyn by a score of 101-49. This was not just any win; it marked the first time since November 2009 that the Retrievers surpassed the 100-point mark. The game showcased a balanced effort, with six players contributing double-digit points—an achievement that has only occurred twice in program history.
Kenya Ramsey led the charge with a career-high 20 points in just twelve minutes off the bench, while Alaina Williams secured her first double-double with 12 points and a career-best 13 rebounds. Other standout performances came from Jaden Walker, Lauren Thompson, Jordon Lewis, and Jaliena Sanchez, each adding significant contributions to the team's total.
The upcoming matchup against Binghamton (8-6) promises to be equally competitive. In their last conference game, Binghamton fell to NJIT despite Olivia Kulyk's impressive 21-point and 12-rebound effort. Sophomore guard Yanniah Boyd also shone for the Bearcats with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
Historically, UMBC trails the series against Binghamton, with a record of 15-30. However, the Retrievers have shown resilience, winning 70-55 earlier this season when they visited Binghamton on January 4th, 2024. With key players like Jaliena Sanchez, who recently joined the 1,000-point club, and Talia Davis, who recorded her first double-double, the team is well-prepared for the challenge ahead.
Beyond individual milestones, the Retrievers have set records in defensive statistics, leading the America East in three-point percentage defense (22.8%) and field goal percentage defense (37.2%). They also excel at free throws, ranking top in both attempts and successful conversions per game.
Reflections and Insights
As the Retrievers prepare for this pivotal game, it's clear that their recent performances have set a high bar. The team's ability to balance scoring across multiple players and maintain strong defensive metrics underscores their depth and versatility. For fans and observers alike, this season offers a glimpse into a team that is not only competitive but also growing in confidence and cohesion.
From a broader perspective, the Retrievers' success serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and adaptability in sports. Each player's contribution, whether through scoring, rebounding, or defense, plays a crucial role in the team's overall performance. As the Retrievers face Binghamton, they carry with them the lessons learned from previous matches and the excitement of what lies ahead in the America East Conference.