Binghamton Women’s Basketball Falls Short in FDU Christmas Classic
Binghamton women’s basketball faced a tough opponent in Penn during the FDU Christmas Classic Championship. Despite a strong effort, the Bearcats lost 59-54, ending their tournament run.
Kendall Bennett and Bella Pucci were standout players, scoring a combined 31 points. Bennett also grabbed nine rebounds, just shy of a third consecutive double-double. Meghan Casey contributed with nine points, hitting two three-pointers, while Yanniah Boyd added six rebounds.
Reflecting on the game, head coach Mary Grimes said, “We got what we wanted; we just weren’t making the shots.” She noted the team’s resilience, highlighting their ability to fight back after falling behind early. Grimes emphasized the need for players to take care of their bodies and mentally prepare better.
The first half saw both teams focused on defense, keeping scores low with neither team exceeding 30 points. Binghamton excelled in three-point shooting, hitting 62.5% from beyond the arc, with Casey and Pucci combining for five threes.
However, Penn took control in the third quarter, outshooting Binghamton 60% and pushing their lead to 14 points by the end of the quarter. Despite Penn’s reputation for strong fourth quarter defense, the Bearcats rallied back, scoring 21 points in that quarter.
In a nail-biting finish, Pucci stepped up with a crucial three-pointer with just 35 seconds left, narrowing the gap to three points. Unfortunately, Penn held on to secure the win.
Bennett’s performance earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team, with a total of 36 points and 24 rebounds across the tournament. Penn’s Katie Collins was named MVP after scoring 21 points in the championship game.
Now, Binghamton looks ahead to the 2026 America East campaign, starting with a match against NJIT in Newark.
Broader Insights
Basketball, like any sport, showcases the importance of teamwork and mental preparation. According to a recent study from the National Sports Psychology Association, athletes who focus on mental conditioning often outperform their peers. This training can improve decision-making and help maintain composure under pressure.
Understanding the dynamics of college basketball also reveals how strategies evolve. Historical data shows that teams focusing on defense and three-point shooting have found success in recent years. As the Bearcats prepare for their next game, finding a balance between offense and defense will be crucial.
By embracing lessons learned in tournaments like this, Binghamton women’s basketball can grow and adapt, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
