Boston College Athletics
Boston College Women's Basketball Registers First 20-Win Season
June 21, 1999 | Women's Basketball
February 23, 1999
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass.- Junior forward Alissa Murphys' nine points in the final four minutes led Boston College to a 72-66 victory over the University of Pittsburgh at Conte Forum in their final regular season game. Four Boston College players scored in double figures to lead the Eagles to their school record 20th victory this season. Boston College improved to 20-6 overall and 12-6 in the BIG EAST Conference. Pittsburgh dropped to 8-18 overall, and 3-15 in the BIG EAST.
The Eagles led Pittsburgh 33-28 at halftime after a seven point run in the final 2:10 of the half. Sophomore Jaime Cournoyer scored eight points as the Eagles shot 45.5 percent and outrebounded the Panthers 25-14.
Boston College increased its lead to nine points early in the second half, and led 42-33 at the 15:42 mark. Pittsburgh rallied with a 20-9 scoring run, and a three-point play by Nickeia Morris gave the Panthers a 57-55 advantage with 4:31 remaining.
Murphy led Boston College as the Eagles outscored the Panthers 17-9 in the closing minutes. Pittsburgh would rally to cut the lead to 66-64 with :58 remaining, but a basket by Murphy, two free-throws by senior Paula Bacso, and two free-throws by freshman Brianne Stepherson gave the Eagles the victory.
Murphy led the Eagles with 18 points and added eight rebounds, five assists, and one steal. Cournoyer finished with a career high 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in her third consecutive start. Freshman Becky Gottstein added 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Stepherson scored 10 points and registered five rebounds and six assists. Pittsburgh was led by Morriss 15 points and five rebounds. Monique Toney scored 14 points, and Kortni Webb added 12 points for Pittsburgh.
With the win, Boston College clinched the fourth seed in the BIG EAST Tournament, which begins on Saturday 27 at Rutgers University. The Eagles will play the #13 seed, Seton Hall, at Noon.
