Brockport, NY- The top-seed Brockport women's team defeated fourth-seeded Nazareth, 93-86, in the Empire 8 Conference Tournament Semifinals on Wednesday night. The Golden Eagles moved to 24-3 overall and 15-1 in Empire 8 play. With both teams combining for 179 points, the contest had the most regulation points in a playoff game in Empire 8 women's basketball history.
 
Stephanie Jean-Baptiste paced the offense with a game-high 24 points, doing it all with six rebounds and five assists.
 
Kaileigh Hunt shined with another double-double performance, scoring 14 points (2-3 3PT) with 12 rebounds.
 
Mandy Brink continued her hot streak, dropping 17 points (2-5 3PT) with six rebounds and three assists.
 
Shannon Blankenship had a big two-way day for Brockport, scoring 14 points with four rebounds and three steals.  
 
Harmony Philo was lights out from downtown, scoring 12 points on excellent 80% shooting from downtown (4-5).
 
In the first quarter, Brockport took an early lead, with Peyton Maneri scoring a layup just seven seconds into the game. Anna Lee and Stephanie Jean-Baptiste contributed significantly, with Jean-Baptiste scoring a fast-break layup at 7:30 and a crucial three-pointer at 3:24, bringing the score to 15-11. Mandy Brink closed the quarter with a 3-pointer at 0:19, and Jean-Baptiste added a tip-in at the buzzer to secure a 23-19 lead over the Golden Flyers. Brockport capitalized on turnovers, with Shannon Blankenship and Claire Turner each recording a steal, and the team maintained their edge by shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the arc.
 
In the second quarter, Brockport maintained their lead, scoring 22 points to Nazareth's 20. Kaileigh Hunt opened the quarter with a 3-pointer at 9:48, assisted by Jackie Kozakiewicz. Stephanie Jean-Baptiste was instrumental, providing multiple assists and scoring back-to-back 3-pointers at 2:17 and 1:39. Harmony Philo also added to the score with key 3-pointers at 6:48 and 5:53, further supported by Jean-Baptiste's assists. Shannon Blankenship contributed with a fast-break layup at 5:21 and later secured two free throws at 1:06.
 
In the third quarter, Brockport extended its lead over the Golden Flyers with a strong offensive showing, highlighted by Anna Lee's 3-pointer at 9:04 and a subsequent jumper that helped the Brockport pull ahead. Kaileigh Hunt buried a 3-pointer and a layup in the quarter, further solidifying Brockport's advantage. The Golden Eagles would take a 16-point lead into the final frame.
 
Despite outscoring Brockport 35-26 in the fourth, the Golden Eagle offense would put the game away. Shannon Blankenship added key free throws at 8:47 and defensive rebounds, while Peyton Maneri added points with successful free throws at 5:12. Stephanie Jean-Baptiste was active offensively, making a layup at 2:03 and securing points from the free-throw line in the final minute.
 
Three-point shooting proved to be the difference maker, with Brockport shooting 43.8% from deep (14-32) compared to 35.3% for Nazareth (12-34).
 
Up Next: The Golden Eagles will host Geneseo in the Empire 8 Championship on Saturday, March 1^st at 2 p.m.