The Dartmouth women’s basketball team suffered a last-second loss to Merrimack, falling 59-57 in a thrilling finish at Leede Arena. With just over a second remaining, Merrimack’s Molly Manion executed a game-winning 3-pointer that followed a quick exchange of scores. Nina Minicozzi led Dartmouth with 13 points, while Olivia Austin secured a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. This match marked Dartmouth’s first game in over two weeks, dropping their record to 3-2.
By the Numbers
- Dartmouth shot 34.4% from the field (21-of-61) and 21.7% from three-point range (5-of-23).
- Merrimack shot 39.4% from the floor (26-of-66) and had 30% on three-pointers (6-of-20).
- Dartmouth held a significant 48-38 advantage in rebounds, including 16 offensive boards.
State of Play
- The Big Green led for the majority of the game and only trailed for 23 seconds.
- Both teams were neck-and-neck in the fourth quarter, leading to a dramatic conclusion.
What’s Next
Dartmouth returns to home court on Friday to face Central Connecticut State, looking to bounce back from this close defeat. The team will aim to improve their record and regain momentum in the upcoming matches.
Bottom Line
This heartbreaking loss underscores the need for Dartmouth to close games more decisively as they face a crucial weekend ahead. Strong performances from players like Austin and Minicozzi are promising signs, yet execution in clutch situations must improve.
