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Watkins historic night propels Lady Bearcats to win
VESTAL, N.Y. – Sophomore Imani Watkins recorded the first triple-double by a Binghamton player in 23 years, leading the Bearcats (4-7) to a 65-33 win over Nyack (4-7) in a women's basketball non-conference game on Tuesday night at the Events Center. With the victory, Binghamton remains unbeaten on its home floor this season, having won all four regular-season contests.
Watkins finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists. She is the second player in program history to achieve a triple double and the first during its 15-year NCAA Division I era. Marlo Foley turned in a 14-point, 10-assist, 10-steal performance against Elmira on Jan. 31, 1992, when Binghamton was still competing at the Division III level.
"I am very happy for Imani," head coach Linda Cimino said. "She is such an unselfish player and has really grown a lot this year. She has had to take on a lot more additional responsibility at the point (guard position) this season and tonight was a great opportunity for her."
With her historic performance, Watkins has now reached the 20-point mark in scoring eight times during her career, including five times this season. She also recorded her second career double-double and is the first Binghamton player to dish out 10 assists in a game since Andrea Holmes finished with that exact total against New Hampshire on Jan. 24, 2010. Watkins also added a game-high five steals.
Sophomore forward Alyssa James scored 16 points to go along with eight rebounds and five blocks. She continues to lead the America East with 2.9 blocks per game.
Senior Kim Albrecht added 12 points while freshman Rebecca Carmody recorded her first double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Binghamton had seven of its nine dressed players on the floor for at least 20 minutes. All of them finished with at least 10 minutes played.
"I am very proud of our team," Cimino said. "Everyone was able to get involved in the game and it is a good way to head into the break."
Jamie McKeither led Nyack with 16 points.
Binghamton is off until Dec. 30, when it heads to Cornell for a 7 p.m. game.
NOTES: James also continues to lead the Bearcats with 17.4 and 8.5 points per game. Watkins is now averaging 16.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and a team-best 5.1 assists per game.
(Courtesy: BU Athletics)