AMHERST, MA — The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Minutewomen defeated Siena Women's Basketball, 84-73, at the Mullins Center Saturday, capitalizing on 27 points off turnovers.
Francesca Schiro had an outstanding performance with a career- and game-high of 28 points, including 10 free throws, and led the team with a career-high six assists.
Genevive Wedemeyer also reached a personal milestone, scoring a career high of 13 points, converting all three of her 3-point attempts.
Nicole Melious contributed nine points and collected two steals while securing six rebounds.
Jamariah Turner finished with six points and two assists.
The Saints (0-2) opened the game with a promising start, as Wedemeyer hit a jumper at 9:01 and followed up with a 3-pointer at 7:30, assisted by Schiro, giving Siena an early 5-3 lead. Despite this, turnovers became a challenge as Siena committed nine during the quarter, allowing the Minutewomen (2-0) to capitalize and build momentum. UMass surged ahead, concluding the first quarter with a 23-11 lead.
Siena mounted a strong offensive effort in the second quarter, highlighted by Turner's two 3-pointers at 8:00 and 6:11, which helped narrow the gap. Wedemeyer also contributed significantly with a 3-pointer at 4:06, maintaining Siena's momentum. The Minutewomen would go on to lead 44–31 after the quarter.
Siena made a significant push in the third quarter with a strong presence in the paint, scoring 12 points inside. Schiro led this effort, contributing multiple layups, including a fast-break score at 4:33. Turnovers hindered their progress, allowing UMass to maintain a lead through the quarter, 64–47.
Schiro was instrumental to a fourth-quarter push, contributing a layup and a three-pointer and adding multiple assists and a steal to maintain momentum. Siena effectively leveraged turnovers, scoring 10 points from them, and controlled the paint with 12 points. Despite a strong offensive effort, the Minutewomen managed to keep a steady lead with efficient shooting, including nine field goals. The game concluded with UMass securing the win, 84–73.
In their next game, Siena will travel to face Army West Point on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. The matchup will take place at Christl Arena in West Point, NY.
