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Will Costello

Women’s Basketball Set To Host Amherst In NESCAC Quarterfinal

The Middlebury women's basketball team has earned the right to host Amherst in the quarterfinal round of the NESCAC Tournament.
The fourth-seeded Middlebury women's basketball team has earned the right to host fifth-seeded Amherst on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the opening round of the NESCAC Tournament. 

ABOUT MIDDLEBURY
  • The Panthers will attempt to win the program's first conference crown during the 2024 tournament.
  • Middlebury is making its 17th appearance in the NESCAC Tournament. 
  • The Panthers finished the regular-season fourth in the league for the third-straight year, which is tied for the highest seeding in program history.
  • Middlebury's best showing in the conference tournament came in 2002 when the Panthers reached the championship game and finished as the runner-up.  
  • Defense has been crucial for Middlebury this season, as the team ranks second in the NESCAC in points allowed, giving up just 52 per contest, while also topping the conference in steals (224).
PANTHERS TO WATCH
  • Alexa Mustafaj paces the team, leading the conference in scoring with 23.9 points per game (PPG), three-pointers (46) and free-throw percentage (.832). The Panther currently sits second on the program's all-time leading scorers list with 1,588 points, and has poured in 549 points this season which is fourth in the single-season record books. Mustafaj also became Middlebury's all-time leader in made field goals during the final game of the regular season with 591 career made baskets. 
  • In the frontcourt, Augusta Dixon has been a double-double machine, recording 10 this year. The forward is second on the team in scoring (11.2 PPG) and leads the NESCAC in rebounds per game (RPG), pulling down 11.7 per contest. Dixon has also rejected 36 shots this season, which is fifth in the conference, while pacing Middlebury in assists with 50.
  • Calie Messina has come on as of late, recording double-digits points in her last three games, including a career-high 18 in a 49-44 victory over Wesleyan. Messina  leads the team in steals (42) and is second in assists (42).
  • Second on the squad in RPG is Bethany Lucey with 4.9, while ranking third in assists (40), and steals (33).
  • Brooke Collins has started 19 contests this winter and has been a crucial part of Middlebury's success, providing 37 assists, 26 steals and11 blocks.
ABOUT AMHERST
  • The Mammoths enter the postseason with a 19-5 overall record and a 6-4 mark in conference play.
  • Amherst qualified for the NESCAC Tournament for the 21st time, which is the fourth-most appearances in conference history.
  • The Mammoths have claimed the NESCAC Title on eight occasions which is second-most in conference history. Their most recent championship came in 2018.
  • During NESCAC Tournament play, Amherst boasts 35 wins, which ranks second behind Bowdoin (40). 
  • The Mammoths are second in the NESCAC in total team rebounding, averaging 42.8 boards per game. They also lead the league in offensive rebounds with 14.7 per contest and are second in blocks (137) and steals (221).
MAMMOTHS TO WATCH 
  • Kori Barach leads the team in a host of offensive categories this season, including points (14 PPG), rebounds (7.5 RPG), assists (75), and steals (58). 
  • Guards Laura Mendell and Reeya Patel have contributed to the team's scoring output,averaging 9.5 and 8.9 PPG, respectively, this winter. Mendell has started all 24 contests so far this season, and sits second in steals (39) and third in assists (54), while Patel is second on the team, tallying 66 helpers.
  • On the defensive end, Maya Cwalina is fourth in the NESCAC in blocked shots, rejecting 44 attempts this season, while also down 114 rebounds which is third-highest on the squad. 
  • Alix Stuart has sent back 30 shots, which is second-best on the team and adds 3.7 RPG and 3.6 PPG. 
SERIES HISTORY
  • The programs meet for the 34th time with Amherst holding a 26-8 advantage. 
  • Middlebury has won three-straight matchups over the Mammoths.
  • Earlier this season, the Panthers upset then-#10 Amherst 76-67 on the road.
  • This will be the first meeting between the two teams in NESCAC Tournament play. 
CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION
  • Schedule
    • 2024 NESCAC Women's Basketball Championship
      Quarterfinals – Saturday, February 17 (at Higher Seeds)
      • No. 8 Tufts at No. 1 Bowdoin – 3 p.m.
      • No. 7 Colby at No. 2 Trinity – 4:30 p.m.
      • No. 6 Hamilton at No. 3 Bates – 2 p.m.
      • No. 5 Amherst at No. 4 Middlebury – 2 p.m.
    • Semifinals – Saturday, February 24 (at Highest Remaining Seed)
      2 p.m. | 4:30 p.m.
      • Highest Remaining Seed vs. Lowest Remaining Seed
      • Remaining Quarterfinal Winners
    • Championship – Sunday, February 25
      12 p.m.
      • Semifinal Winners
  • Championship Central
  • NESCAC Seeding Announcement
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