ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. — In a defensive battle Wednesday night, the St. Mary's College of Maryland women's basketball team held visiting Cedar Crest College to just 32 points to secure a 39–32 United East Conference Semifinal victory inside the Michael P. O'Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena.

With the win, the Seahawks improve to 22-5 overall while Cedar Crest falls to 18-9 overall.

The contest was tightly contested throughout, featuring two lead changes and a tie. Cedar Crest led 12-7 after the opening quarter before St. Mary's responded with a 13-6 second period to take a 20-18 halftime advantage.

Defense dominated the third quarter as the Seahawks held the Falcons to just three points on 1-of-14 shooting. St. Mary's carried a 28-21 lead into the fourth and maintained control down the stretch.

With Cedar Crest cutting the deficit to four in the final minute, Halimah Hajhassan delivered the decisive blow, knocking down a three-pointer with 15 seconds remaining to extend the lead back to seven and seal the victory.

Keira Mason led the Seahawks with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, anchoring a defensive effort that forced 25 turnovers and limited Cedar Crest to 23.9% shooting from the field. Mason also collected five offensive rebounds as St. Mary's finished with 19 second-chance opportunities.

The Seahawks won the battle on the glass, 45-44, and received 26 bench points in the balanced effort.

Cedar Crest was paced by Ella Bincarosky with 12 points, while Ginger Kerdock added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

St. Mary's will host Penn State Abington for the United East Conference Title Game on Saturday, February 28th at 2:00PM