Middlebury scored just two buckets over the final 2:42, as Hamilton (8-10, 2-4 NESCAC) held on for a 57-53 win on Sunday at Hamilton's Margaret Bundy Scott Field House. Caroline Barrett scored a career-high 20 to lead the Continentals over the Panthers.
Barrett hit three-point baskets on consecutive possessions down the stretch, putting Hamilton ahead for good with 2:20 left in the game, then giving the Continentals a 53-48 lead on her fourth three pointer of the game with 53 seconds remaining. Middlebury pulled to within two points on a three-point bucket by Laura Lowry 32 seconds later and rebounded a missed Hamilton free throw to set up a chance to tie the game before turning the ball over. Dani Feigin converted two free throws with four seconds left to provide the final margin.
Feigin and Samantha Graber scored 11 points apiece for the Continentals, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Barrett, who logged her first collegiate start, made 6-8 attempts from the floor including 4-5 shooting from long distance.
The Panthers used a 9-1 run midway through the second half to take a five-point lead – their biggest of the game – with 8:28 left. Lowry, Sarah Marcus and Rachel Crews each contributed a three pointer during the run. A Barrett jumper and a three-point basket by Graber pulled Hamilton even at the 5:22 mark and the teams traded leads over the next three minutes with Middlebury taking its last lead on a lay-up by Scarlet Kirk with 2:42 to go.
Kirk led the Panthers with 12 points and a game-best 12 rebounds. Marcus scored 10 points. Lowry and Kristina Conroy both pulled down six rebounds, helping Middlebury to a 37-29 advantage on the boards.
Feigin collected five steals and Carly Gruenberg matched a career high with nine rebounds.
Hamilton jumped ahead 13-4 just four minutes in and built an 11-point lead 10:49 into the opening period. The Panthers finished the half with an 8-3 run to pull to within 29-24 at the half.
The Continentals play their final non-league game of the season Tuesday, hosting Albany College of Pharmacy at 7 p.m. Middlebury visits Keene State for a 5:30 p.m. game Tuesday.