Box Score GENEVA, N.Y. -- The William Smith College basketball team, ranked 22nd in NCAA Division III and third in the East Region, won its ninth straight with a 63-44 decision over visiting Clarkson University. The Herons (13-2, 5-1 UCAA) held Clarkson (7-7, 2-3) scoreless for nearly eight minutes in the opening half and notched their 76th consecutive home victory, the longest active streak in collegiate basketball.

Leading 15-7 just six minutes into the game, William Smith proceeded to outscore the Golden Knights 16-0 and took a 31-7 lead with 6:17 remaining until halftime. The Herons converted 20 Clarkson first-half turnovers into 27 points. In the final 20 minutes, William Smith led by as many as 31 despite shooting 24% from the field.

Senior Liz Masten (Williamsport/Williamsport, Pa.) had an outstanding floor game for the Herons. In just 18 minutes, she scored 10 points, grabbed eight rebounds, handed out four assists, and collected three steals. Junior Mollie Masten (Williamsport/Williamsport, Pa.) also scored 10 points, yanked down five boards, blocked two shots, and captured three steals. Senior Liz Brown (Marcus Whitman/Rushville, N.Y.) distributed a game-high five assists, and moved into second place on the Herons' career list with 330. Classmate Tricia Lockwood (Homer/Truxton, N.Y.) and first-year Laura Hadwin (Vestal/Vestal, N.Y.) added eight points apiece.

For Clarkson, sophomore Heather Dority (Lisbon/Lisbon, N.Y.) powered home 17 of her game-high 19 points in the second half. She converted on 8-of-10 from the floor. Senior Sue Micknak (North Country/Newport, Vt.) pulled down a team-best seven boards.

Tomorrow, William Smith hosts St. Lawrence University at 2 p.m. The Saints defeated the visiting Herons 67-63 on Dec. 3, in Canton, N.Y.

-- HWS SPORTS --