Mackenzie Smith dominates with 23 points in Saint Joseph's victory over Drexel

On December 9, 2024, Saint Joseph's (PA) women's basketball team faced off against the Maine Black Bears at home. This game followed a strong performance by Mackenzie Smith, who scored 23 points in a dominant victory over Drexel Dragons with a final score of 69-47. The Hawks, currently holding a 6-2 record, were looking to extend their home court success, which stands at 2-1 this season. Meanwhile, the Maine Black Bears entered the matchup with a 3-6 overall record, having struggled on the road with a 2-3 record thus far this season. Saint Joseph's (PA) is notable for its offensive prowess, averaging 78.6 points per game, a stark contrast to the 64.9 points that the Maine defense typically allows. In the previous matchup, Saint Joseph's displayed their dominance on the boards, ranking sixth in the A-10 conference with an average of 11.1 offensive rebounds per game, prominently featuring Talya Brugler, who averages 2.3 offensive rebounds. On the other hand, Maine's offense has had its challenges, averaging just 57.3 points per game. One could argue that the success of Saint Joseph's offensive game will prove pivotal in their quest for victory in this upcoming game. The Black Bears have shown some resilience, especially when they manage to keep their turnovers down. They average 11.9 turnovers per game but hold a 2-1 record when they commit fewer turnovers than their opponents—an aspect they will likely need to emphasize against the high-scoring Hawks. Caroline Bornemann, the standout player for Maine, averages 11.9 points and 7.7 rebounds, making her a key figure for the Black Bears as they look for ways to neutralize Saint Joseph's offensive strategy. As the game approaches, the competitive atmosphere builds around the Hawks and the Black Bears, with both teams seeking crucial wins that could impact their seasonal standings. Saint Joseph's victory against the Drexel Dragons has undoubtedly increased the stakes as they take on Maine, and the performance of individual players like Mackenzie Smith and Laura Ziegler will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The outcome of this game may well hinge on which team can better execute their game plan and emerge victorious at the final buzzer.