CAMDEN, N.J. — The St. Mary's College of Maryland women's basketball team battled back from an early deficit but ultimately fell to Rutgers-Camden, 70-53, Wednesday evening at Rutgers Camden Gymnasium.
The Seahawks (0-2) were led by Saffiyah Gibson, who poured in a game-high 25 points on 9-of-21 shooting while adding two three-pointers and five free throws. India Watkins contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, while London Best finished with eight points and three rebounds. Rayna Miller grabbed a team-high nine rebounds and added two points and three blocked shots.
Rutgers-Camden (1-1) established control early, opening the contest with a 24-point first quarter to build a 14-point advantage. The Seahawks found their footing offensively as the opening period progressed, with Watkins and Gibson helping St. Mary's put together a late-quarter scoring stretch. However, the Scarlet Raptors maintained their momentum to take a 24-10 lead into the second quarter.
St. Mary's responded with a much stronger second period, outscoring Rutgers-Camden 14-9. Gibson sparked the Seahawks' offensive efforts, scoring repeatedly around the basket before connecting on a pair of three-pointers. Her scoring helped St. Mary's trim the deficit to nine points, 33-24, at halftime.
The Seahawks continued to fight in the third quarter, putting together a 15-point period. London Best provided a spark offensively, scoring eight points during the contest, while Gibson continued to lead the scoring attack. St. Mary's also generated defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and creating opportunities in transition. Despite the Seahawks' efforts, Rutgers-Camden maintained a 46-39 advantage entering the final period.
Rutgers-Camden pulled away in the fourth quarter, scoring 24 points to secure the 70-53 victory. The Scarlet Raptors capitalized on their offensive efficiency and scoring opportunities to maintain separation down the stretch.
Gibson's 25-point performance paced the Seahawks, while Watkins added 12 points and four steals. Miller anchored the interior with nine rebounds and three blocks, and Best contributed three steals. St. Mary's finished the evening with 11 steals and nine second-chance points.
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