CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - In a non-conference match up with UMass-Boston, the Lesley University women's basketball team defeated the Beacons 60-55 at home to improve their record to 6-4 (2-0 North Atlantic Conference).  With the loss the UMB dropped their record to 4-5 (0-2 Little East Conference).

Senior guard Courtnie Leakeas (Lowell, Mass.) scored 14 of her 21 points in the second to lead a second half comeback against the Beacons.  Leakeas also tallied nine rebounds, four assists and two steals on the game.  The Lynx also had impressive performances from Hailee Lowe (Hamilton, Mass.) and Kaitlyn Wechsler (Merrick, N.Y.) who each hit double-digit points with 17 and 10, respectively. 

For UMB, Leanne Meninger (Everett, Mass.) and Ashley Greene (Brookline, Mass.) provided the offense for the Beacons as they scored 13 and 12 points a piece.  Senior Myrna Tangar (Randolph, Mass.) was a terror on the boards as she hoarded 10 rebounds on the game. 

In the first half, UMB controlled the offensive flow of the game as they took a 21-10 lead with 12:59 left in the period.  The Beacons looked to Meninger (Everett, Mass.) early in the game as she was left wide open which led to eight of her 13 total points.  The Lynx stormed back, however, as they were able to score 11 of the next 14 points and eventually the half ended with the Beacons up just six points. 

Behind consistent fast-break pressure initiated from Leakeas, the Lynx were able to keep the game close in the second half.  Lesley led the fast-break point differential 10-2 for the game.  The Beacons were strong from beyond the arc in the first half hitting 4-of-7, but they were only 1-of-8 in the second half.  With Leakeas' strong second half and key free throws down the stretch from Lowe, the Lynx were able to pull out the victory. 

Defensively, Lesley's freshman center Brianne Caira (Pelham, N.H.) had five blocks to go along with ten rebounds.  Lowe also chipped in defensively with three blocks of her own.  For the Beacons, Cammy Brown (Malden, Mass.) tallied three blocks.

The next opponent for the Lynx will be Lasell College on Thursday evening at 8 p.m. at home while the Beacons will host the College of St. Elizabeth at 5:30 p.m.

To learn more about the Lesley University women's basketball team, please visit their website.