With just nine seconds remaining in the game, the Massachusetts women’s basketball team clung to a three-point lead with the ball in its possession. UMass (11-2) inbounded the ball to senior guard Destiny Philoxy who was quickly fouled by Vermont’s (5-5) Catherine Gilwee.
Philoxy stepped to the line with a chance to put the Minutewomen up by five. All season, poor free throw shooting has been an issue for UMass, as coming into this game the Minutewomen were shooting 64.5 percent from the stripe. Philoxy, who hits her foul shots at a clip of 68 percent, stayed composed and calmly knocked down a pair of free throws to seal the game for UMass.
“I don’t think the end of the game [nerves] get to [Philoxy],” Sydney Taylor said. “I thought she was going to do what does and she hit those two big free throws that we needed.”
The Minutewomen appeared to overcome some of their struggles that they’ve had this season at the line with a strong showing against Vermont, going seven for eight at the charity stripe.
Philoxy and Sam Breen, two of the oldest and most dependable players on the team, both struggled with their shots against the Catamounts. Breen shot 5-of-15 from the field and Philoxy shot 2-of-10. Despite those two less than stellar shooting performances, Breen and Philoxy contributed in other areas in order to help their team win.
Breen turned in her ninth double-double of the season, scoring 12 points and adding 12 rebounds, six of which were offensive. On the defensive end, Breen showed great instincts playing the passing lanes, finishing the game with a pair of steals.
Breen’s defensive effort was highlighted late in the second quarter as she jumped an Emma Utterback pass and turned her defense into easy offense at the other end, scoring on a fastbreak layup.
Philoxy was a jack of all trades for the Minutewomen scoring eight points, while adding seven boards, six assists and two steals. While Philoxy’s seven rebounds are a season high, the 5-foot-7 guard has been chipping in on the glass regularly for the Minutewomen, averaging a career high 4.5 rebounds per game. Philoxy has five games this season where she has grabbed five or more rebounds.
Along with hitting the game clinching free throws, Philoxy also hit another pair of big free throws right before halftime to give UMass a one-point lead.
“I think those two free throws right before halftime from Destiny were huge,” UMass head coach Tory Verdi said. “I just thought that that kind of changed the momentum of the game and coming right out in the third period we of got our groove back… we started to separate ourselves.”
Breen and Philoxy, along with the other starters are heavily relied upon by Verdi, rarely coming of the court. Breen ranks 23rd nationally in minutes per game averaging around 36 minutes per contest. Philoxy averages about 34.5 minutes a game.
The duo of Breen and Philoxy each affect the game in a multitude of different ways. They both are players who can step up even when they have an off-shooting night and still have an impact on the game.
The Minutewomen will have a few days rest before a road matchup against the Hartford Hawks. Tipoff is set for Wednesday at 12 p.m.
James DiLuca can be reached at [email protected].
