ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. — The St. Mary's College of Maryland women's basketball team used a dominant second-half performance to defeat Penn State Abington, 73-47, Saturday afternoon inside the Michael P. O'Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena to claim the first United East Conference Title in program history. 

With the win, the Seahawks finish the season 23-5 overall and 13-0 in United East Conference play.

After trailing 28-27 at halftime, St. Mary's exploded in the third quarter, outscoring Abington 24-5. The Seahawks held the visitors to just 2-of-15 shooting (13.3%) in the period and forced five turnovers to seize control of the contest. St. Mary's carried a 51-33 lead into the fourth quarter and never looked back, extending the margin to as many as 26 points down the stretch.

Samantha Blaylock delivered a career performance off the bench, pouring in a game-high 32 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including 6-of-9 from three-point range and a perfect 6-of-6 at the free throw line.

Keira Mason added 20 points and a game-high 12 rebounds to record a double-double, while also dishing out seven assists and blocking two shots in an all-around effort.

Tramarie Mobray chipped in nine rebounds and three steals as the Seahawks won the battle on the glass, 39-28.

St. Mary's shot 44.4% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range.The Seahawks converted 19-of-22 free throws (86.4%).The bench outscored Abington 58-5. St. Mary's limited the Nittany Lions to 17.6% shooting from beyond the arc (3-of-17).

Abington was led by Amirah Hackney's 15 points, while Amina Reid added 10 points.

St. Mary's will reach the NCAA Tournament for the third time in program history with it being their first appearance since 1999. They will compete in the first round on Friday, March 6th with their opponent being announced Monday, March 2nd at 2;00PM during the NCAA Tournament DIII Women's Selection Show on NCAA.com