Photo credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
Everything is in place for a strong run in the America East for the Stony Brook women: A strong non-conference record (8-5) and confidence. Stony Brook's start is its best since an 8-5 mark during the 2005-2006 season.
There are other things, like a more consistent offense and a team that can rebound well. But now the real season begins. The America East has always been a one-bid conference, so winning the league tournament is the only way into the NCAA Tournament.
Second-year coach Beth O’Boyle has done a masterful job recruiting and instilling confidence in her squad. This is evidenced by some of the numbers that have been put up lately.
Stony Brook outrebounded Iona 41-37 in Sunday’s 70-64 win. The Seawolves are 8-1 when they outrebound their opponents. Stony Brook also outscored the Gaels 30-14 in the paint.
Junior Teasha Harris had 15 points on Sunday. It was the third straight game she has reached double figures. All of this is being done off the bench. Harris has not started in any of the Seawolves 13 games.
Jessica Previlon had 17 points and 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season, while Sabre Proctor had a career-high 25 points. Stony Brook hasn’t had a 20-point scorer since former Seawolves star Kirsten Jeter had 26 against Maine on March 3, 2011.
The real test begins on Wednesday night when the Seawolves host Boston University in its first conference game. Boston University is barred from the conference tournament, but the Terriers are nonetheless a league foe.
