NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Daemen (26-4, 15-1 ECC) saw its season come to an end with a 78-62 loss to Holy Family (29-3, 20-0 CACC) in the NCAA East Region Final on Monday at Moore Field House. 

The Wildcats struggled with shooting efficiency, hitting only 5-of-22 from beyond the arc, despite forcing 23 turnovers and recording 18 steals. Holy Family capitalized on its opportunities, making 15 of 16 free throws and dominating the boards with a 50-23 rebound advantage.

IMPACT PLAYERS

• Ne'vaeh Buntley (Rochester, N.Y.) scored 20 points and recorded five steals, showcasing a strong performance. 
• Claire Pikett (Holland, N.Y.) added 13 points, made five steals, and blocked three shots, contributing significantly on both ends.
• Sophie Auer (Lewiston, N.Y.) finished with 14 points, converting 6-of-7 field goal attempts, including two three-pointers. 
• Shyla Montgomery (Brockton, Mass.) collected six rebounds and provided five assists, complementing her nine-point effort.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Daemen opened the first quarter with defensive intensity, generating five steals and three blocks. Montgomery contributed early with a layup assisted by herself, leading to an initial 2-0 advantage. The Wildcats struggled to capitalize offensively, missing several opportunities and committing six turnovers. Holy Family responded by exploiting offensive rebounds and second-chance points, eventually taking control with a 7-0 run midway through the quarter. The Wildcats closed the quarter with a brief scoring burst, including a late layup by Joline Raposo, but the Tigers maintained a lead, ending the quarter ahead 20-8.
• In the second, Daemen began the quarter with a Buntley layup and a subsequent steal leading to another score. Holy Family's shooting from beyond the arc extended their advantage, as they connected on three three-pointers. The quarter saw Montgomery hitting a three-pointer to provide some momentum, while Buntley and Kyleigh Chapman (Canandaigua, N.Y.) combined for multiple steals, creating opportunities. However, Holy Family maintained their lead, closing the quarter with a buzzer-beating three-pointer. The quarter ended with HFU leading 37–19.
• Daemen initiated the third quarter with Montgomery's layup, contributing to a strong offensive burst. Auer's three-pointer, assisted by Chapman, highlighted a series of strong plays, allowing the Wildcats to close the gap to 10 (41-31) early in the quarter. Pikett also made a significant impact with both a layup and a three-pointer, keeping the pressure on Holy Family. Daemen capitalized on fast breaks and forced turnovers, including a steal by Buntley leading to a fast-break layup by Auer. The Wildcats' defense was active, with multiple steals and defensive rebounds. A late push by the Tigers added back onto their lead. The quarter concluded with both teams scoring 22 points each, resulting in a 59-41 score in favor of the Tigers at the end of the third.
• Daemen initiated a strong fourth quarter with a key steal by Pikett, setting the tone for a determined performance. Buntley contributed significantly, scoring a three-pointer and following it with a layup, closing the gap to 11 (61-50). Montgomery facilitated the offense with multiple assists, including a crucial one leading to Auer's three-pointer. Despite Daemen's efforts to cut into the deficit, Holy Family capitalized on free throws and second-chance opportunities to maintain their advantage. The Wildcats' defense forced five turnovers, but the Tigers' efficiency at the line helped it preserve the lead. The quarter closed with Daemen narrowing the margin slightly, ending the game with a 78-62 score.

GAME NOTES

• Buntely logged her 10th game with 20-plus points this season.
• Auer scored in double figures for the third time in four games.
• Montgomery posted three-plus assists for the third straight game.
• The Wildcats totaled at least 23 total rebounds for the 31st consecutive game.
• Daemen achieved at least 22 field goals made in 19 consecutive games
• The Wildcats had another strong defensive performance, totaling 18 steals and five blocks. 
• Daemen forced 23 Tiger turnovers, scoring 23 points off of them.
• The points in the paint finished in the Wildcats' advantage at 38-32.
• Daemen finished the season with 26 wins, marking its fifth straight year with 20-plus victories.

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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.

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