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Daemen University Athletics

Western New York's Premier Division II Team
Fearless, Integrity, Effort, Respect, Commitment, Excitement
Ne'vaeh Buntley
Olivia Frzop
58
Winner Daemen Daemen 26-3,15-1 ECC
55
Bentley Ben 23-5,17-1 NE10
Winner
Daemen Daemen
26-3,15-1 ECC
58
Final
55
Bentley Ben
23-5,17-1 NE10
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Daemen Daemen 17 11 12 18 58
Bentley Ben 14 7 17 17 55

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | CONTACT: Connor Griffin, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications | cgriffin@daemen.edu

Daemen Advances to East Region Final With Thrilling Win Over Bentley

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — #3 seed Daemen (26-3, 15-1 ECC) edged #2 seed Bentley (23-5, 17-1 NE10), 58-55, at James Moore Fieldhouse in the NCAA East Region Semifinals on Saturday.

The Wildcats secured the win with a strong defensive performance, forcing 22 turnovers and converting them into 18 points. Despite the Falcons' 17-point surge in the third quarter, the Wildcats held onto their lead with a decisive 18-point fourth quarter, outscoring the Falcons in the paint 38-30.

With the win, Daemen advances to the East Region Championship for the second time in three years. 

IMPACT PLAYERS
  • Ne'vaeh Buntley (Rochester, N.Y.) scored 16 points and collected five rebounds while dishing out two assists. 
  • Joline Raposo (Tampa, Fla.) scored 12 points on (5-of-8 shooting) while grabbing four rebounds. 
  • Shyla Montgomery contributed with 10 points, five steals, and two rebounds. 
  • Claire Pikett (Holland, N.Y.) finished with 11 points, two blocks, and three steals.
  • Kyleigh Chapman (Canandaigua, N.Y.) added four points while recording a team-leading five assists.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
  • The Wildcats opened the first quarter with a 9-0 run, highlighted by Buntley's three-pointer just 14 seconds into play, assisted by Chapman. Daemen capitalized on the Falcons' turnovers and dominated the paint, with Montgomery contributing a fast-break layup at 8:15. Daemen maintained its momentum, extending the lead to 9–0 with a layup by Pikett at 7:10, prompting a timeout from the Falcons. Despite Bentley's late effort, including a three-pointer by Mikela Cooper at the buzzer, the Wildcats ended the quarter ahead 17–14.
  • Daemen took control in the second quarter with a pivotal three-pointer from Pikett at 7:59, assisted by Chapman, which shifted the momentum in their favor. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Chapman and Julia Fontanillo (Valladolid, Spai) each contributing a steal that helped maintain pressure on the Falcons. Raposo scored a layup at 1:22, further extending the Wildcats' lead. The quarter concluded with Daemen outscoring Bentley 11–7, bringing the score to 28–21 at the half. 
  • The Wildcats maintained their edge in a tight third quarter, with Sophie Auer's (Lewiston, N.Y.) layup at 6:54 helping to keep the Falcons at bay. Bentley narrowed the gap with a series of successful plays, and Daemen responded effectively. Raposo's fastbreak layup at 1:05 extended the lead, and the quarter concluded with the Wildcats ahead 40–38.
  • Daemen started the fourth quarter strong with a quick pair of jumpers by Raposo, establishing a six-point lead. The Falcons attempted to close the gap, including a key three-pointer from Cassidy Yeomans, but the Wildcats maintained composure with significant contributions from Montgomery and Buntley. As the clock wound down, the Wildcats' defensive efforts, including a crucial steal by Pikett in the final seconds, proved pivotal. Buntley's free throws in the closing moments secured the Wildcats' victory.
GAME NOTES
  • Montgomery posted five assists for the second straight game.
  • Chapman has logged five or more assists in four of the previous five games. 
  • Daemen achieved at least 22 field goals made in 18 consecutive games
  • The Wildcats had another strong defensive performance, totaling 12 steals and five blocks. 
  • Daemen forced 22 Falcon turnovers, scoring 18 points off of them.
  • The points in the paint finished in the Wildcats' advantage at 38-30.
  • With the win, the Daemen now has a 10-5 record in the NCAA Tournamnent.
  • The Wildcats are now 2-1 against Bentley.
UP NEXT
Daemen will play the #5 seed Holy Family on Monday at 7 p.m. The Tigers defeated the #1 seed and tournament host Southern Connecticut State to advance to the final.
Daemen University features the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.

Follow the Daemen women's basketball program on Twitter and Instagram at @DaemenWBB
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