BIG EAST women’s basketball teams went 4-1 on Wednesday and improved the league’s nonconference record to 141-49 for a .742 win percentage.
Junior Natalie Novosel scored a career-high 27 points as No. 16/14 Notre Dame beat Gonzaga 70-61 in the State Farm Holiday Classic held in Seattle.
Sophomore Skylar Diggins added 19 for Notre Dame (10-3), including a clinching 3-pointer from the corner with 1:46 remaining that put the Irish up by seven.
“Right now that’s the best win on our tournament resume,” said Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw, whose team won its fifth consecutive game since losing to then-No. 2/3 Baylor back on Dec. 1.
Marquette (11-2) beat host Florida International 73-67 in the first day of the Sun & Fun Classic in Miami. Five Marquette players scored in double figures, including senior Angel Robinson who had 12 points, six rebounds and six assists.
The Golden Eagles will take on Louisiana Tech in the tournament title game on Thursday afternoon.
Seton Hall (7-7) evened up its record at .500 following a 73-69 double overtime victory against Rhode Island. Last season the Pirates totaled nine wins overall. The Pirates got a career-high 20 points from junior Jasmine Crew.
Villanova (6-6) knocked off Siena 57-50 in the first day of the Fordham Holiday Classic held in Bronx, N.Y. Sophomore guard Rachel Roberts scored 18 points to lead the Wildcats, who will face Yale today.
Diandra Tchatchouang scored 15 of her 19 points in the first half as No. 18/20 Maryland beat No. 17/17 St. John’s 66-60 to win the Terrapin Classic.
The Terrapins (12-1) never trailed in earning their 11th straight victory.
Sophomore Eugeneia McPherson scored 25 and junior Da’Shena Stevens added 15 for St. John’s (12-2) in its first contest against a ranked team this season. Maryland ended the Red Storm’s 11-game winning streak.
St. John’s became the first team to outrebound Maryland this season, 37-35. St. John’s trailed 31-26 at halftime.
Material from interviews, the Associated Press wire service as well as league and team sources was used in this report.
