Box Score

Using a balanced attack, Binghamton (5-6, 2-0 AE) rallied to defeat defending conference champion Hartford (3-11, 1-2 AE) on the road, 59-54 in an America East Conference game at Chase Family Arena on Wednesday night. The victory marked the first time in three tries that the Bearcats have won on Hartford's home floor, including a game at last season's America East Tournament.

"It was a very gritty performance for the team," associate head coach Rich Conover said. "I'm very proud of the way the team responded on the road tonight."

Junior center Nicole Dypolt had a team-high nine points and eight rebounds. Junior forward Leala Wegwerth, junior point guard Kate Townley and sophomore forward Kristin Hibler each added eight points. Townley also had eight rebounds and four assists.

Binghamton came out strong, jumping out to a 13-6 lead with 11:06 left to go in the first half. Hartford, however, stormed back, thanks mainly to an 11-2 run in a span of 5:50 to take a 21-20 lead with 1:40 left in the first half. From there, the two teams traded baskets for the remainder of the half and the Bearcats went into the locker room with a 24-23 lead.

In the second half, Hartford surged out to a 31-26 lead with 16:33 left to go. The Bearcats, however, managed to claw their way back into the game, reclaiming the lead at 37-36 with 10:06 left in the second half. Binghamton then extended their lead to 55-49 with 3:57 remaining.

Down 57-49 with 2:37 left to go, the Hawks refused to go away. Angie Pezzetta nailed a three pointer and Liz Stitch sank a layup to cut the margin to 57-54 with 1:55 left to go. Both teams turned the ball over on their ensuing two possessions, giving the Hawks the ball back with 28 seconds left to go. Stich fired a three pointer with 16 seconds left but it hit the rim and Townley grabbed the rebound. She was then fouled and hit two pivotal free throws to clinch the win.

NOTES: Head coach Laurie Kelly is expecting her first child later this month and was unable to make the trip to Hartford.