LAS VEGAS – Seattle University women's basketball battled, but could not overcome an early deficit as New Mexico State won, 56-46, in the first round of the 2021 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament on Wednesday afternoon. Irena Korolenko matched a career high with 15 points in the contest at The Orleans Arena.
The Redhawks were ice-cold from the field to start the day. A McKenzi Williams three-ball kept the offense afloat, but NM State jumped out to a 15-4 lead before Irena Korolenko cut and scored in the final minute. The Aggies led, 15-6, after a period.
In the second quarter, SU looked better, as Korolenko provided a boost off the bench. The freshman scored inside. Peyton Howard made a basket before the Aggies regained a 21-10 advantage with 6:23 remaining in the half. The Redhawks turned things around from there, as Williams hit a foul shot and a jumper. After an NMSU hoop, Bree Calhoun sank a trey and then set up a Korolenko three-pointer, forcing an Aggie timeout. The spurt continued as Calhoun stole the ball and went to the other end for a layup, making it 23-21 at the 2:17 mark. The Aggies closed with a jumper at the buzzer to claim a four-point margin through 20 minutes.
Korolenko swished a three to start second-half scoring and get SU within a point. Three Keohe baskets kept the Redhawks close, but the Aggies expanded their margin back to 40-30 late in the frame. Korolenko scored twice more, including a three-point play in the closing seconds of the third as SU got within six heading to the final period.
Ezeonu scored in the lane twice as the Redhawks continued to stay within range. NMSU held a 45-40 edge at the final media timeout, but Calhoun hit a three-pointer to make it a two-point difference with 4:31 remaining. Seattle U had several chances to tie or take the lead, but the Aggies stood firm and pulled away as the season came to a close for the Redhawks.
Korolenko tied her personal best with 15 points. Williams added 10 points and three assists, while Hailey Vice-Neat grabbed eight rebounds.
Seattle U finished the season with an overall record of 11-14. Seniors Leilani Peat and Makenna Schoenhofer will graduate, but SU returns the rest of its roster for next season. Williams earned All-WAC Second Team and Calhoun was named WAC Defensive Player of the Year.
The Redhawks were ice-cold from the field to start the day. A McKenzi Williams three-ball kept the offense afloat, but NM State jumped out to a 15-4 lead before Irena Korolenko cut and scored in the final minute. The Aggies led, 15-6, after a period.
In the second quarter, SU looked better, as Korolenko provided a boost off the bench. The freshman scored inside. Peyton Howard made a basket before the Aggies regained a 21-10 advantage with 6:23 remaining in the half. The Redhawks turned things around from there, as Williams hit a foul shot and a jumper. After an NMSU hoop, Bree Calhoun sank a trey and then set up a Korolenko three-pointer, forcing an Aggie timeout. The spurt continued as Calhoun stole the ball and went to the other end for a layup, making it 23-21 at the 2:17 mark. The Aggies closed with a jumper at the buzzer to claim a four-point margin through 20 minutes.
Korolenko swished a three to start second-half scoring and get SU within a point. Three Keohe baskets kept the Redhawks close, but the Aggies expanded their margin back to 40-30 late in the frame. Korolenko scored twice more, including a three-point play in the closing seconds of the third as SU got within six heading to the final period.
Ezeonu scored in the lane twice as the Redhawks continued to stay within range. NMSU held a 45-40 edge at the final media timeout, but Calhoun hit a three-pointer to make it a two-point difference with 4:31 remaining. Seattle U had several chances to tie or take the lead, but the Aggies stood firm and pulled away as the season came to a close for the Redhawks.
Korolenko tied her personal best with 15 points. Williams added 10 points and three assists, while Hailey Vice-Neat grabbed eight rebounds.
Seattle U finished the season with an overall record of 11-14. Seniors Leilani Peat and Makenna Schoenhofer will graduate, but SU returns the rest of its roster for next season. Williams earned All-WAC Second Team and Calhoun was named WAC Defensive Player of the Year.