Second Wind: SMCC Rallies Past WCCC

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) women's basketball team capped its three-game homestand with a second-half surge, defeating Washington County Community College 67–52 on Sunday afternoon at The HUB. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Washington County came out firing, using early threes from Kiarra Maxwell to build a 16–13 lead after the first quarter. SMCC got early production from Julia Reed (Gorham, Maine), who scored out of screens and found teammates in transition, and sophomore forward Jade Trueman (Sanbornville, N.H.), who battled on the offensive glass to keep the Seawolves within striking distance.

The second quarter stayed close. First-year guard Kylie Young (Westbrook, Maine) knocked down a corner three, and sophomore guard Ashley Mullen (Oakland, Maine) added five points in the frame, including a transition finish off a Reed steal. But Washington County continued to hit timely perimeter shots, sending SMCC to the half tied 26–26. 

The Seawolves flipped the game in the third. Reed took over the quarter—scoring at the rim, hitting a jumper, and facilitating eight total assists on the day. Trueman dominated the interior with put-backs and defensive rebounds, while sophomore Skyler Tinker (Trescott Twp., Maine) provided a spark with eight boards and downhill drives. SMCC outscored Washington County 21–15 in the period to take a 47–41 lead into the fourth.

SMCC's defense sealed it early in the final frame. Young converted a three-point play, Tinker finished inside through contact, and Mullen hit her third three of the afternoon to push the lead into double digits. Trueman closed the door with offensive rebounding, and Reed capped her day with late free throws and steals that put the game out of reach. The Seawolves held Washington County to just 10 fourth-quarter points to secure the 67–52 win.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Reed: 17 points, 8 assists, 7 steals, 5 rebounds
• Mullen: 15 points, 5 boards
• Young: 9 points, 3 assists
• Trueman: 9 points, monster 15 rebounds, 2 assists
• Tinker: 9 points, 8 rebounds
• Team totals: 46 rebounds • 16 assists • 12 steals • 41.5% FG • 5 threes made 

NEXT UP:

SMCC (2–1) heads on the road for a conference matchup on Wednesday, November 12, traveling to take on UMaine Augusta at 6:00 PM.