Senior guard Ashley Martin scored a season-high 18 points to lead the University of Mary Washington women's basketball team to a 69-60 victory over Roger Williams University in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament on Friday in Allentown, Pa. The Eagles improve to 23-6 on the season, and will advance to Saturday's second round.
The game turned into a back and forth battle early on, as the first quarter saw four lead changes, and neither team led by more than four points, which was the margin after 10 minutes, after an Adeline Riner free throw put UMW up, 13-9.
In the second quarter, the lead quickly jumped to seven with a three-point play from junior Jordan Carpenter. Roger Williams answered with five straight to pull to within two. From there, the lead swung back and forth from two to six points, and the Eagles held on to lead at halftime, 28-27, thanks to a late Keagan Schwab three pointer.
Roger Williams pulled close quickly in the third, scoring the first seven points, and held the lead throughout the third quarter. UMW trailed by as many as nine in the third, but scored six straight to stay within striking distance. The Eagles trailed by five entering the fourth quarter.
UMW erased the five-point deficit by outscoring RWU, 27-13, in the fourth quarter, and making 10-15 shots in the period.
Martin made 9-15 shots en route to 18 points, and Carpenter added 13 points and 11 rebounds. Riner scored 12 ponts as the third Eagle in double figures.
UMW shot 46% (29-63) form the field, making 3-11 three-point tries and 8-11 free throws. Roger Williams shot 42% (21-50), making 4-18 three point attempts and 14-18 free throws. UMW held a 34-32 rebounding edge, and forced 26 turnovers.
The Eagles will face the winner of Friday's DeSales/Mitchell game on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at DeSales.