Sound Up Their Game in the Quarterfinals

Buffalo, N.Y. – March 11, 2025, 5:30 PM – The Five Towns College Women’s Basketball Team secured a hard-fought 84-77 victory over Carlow in a game that showcased the Sound’s resilience, tenacity, and strength in the paint. Despite some struggles from beyond the arc, the Sound’s collective effort and dominant interior play proved to be the difference as they upset the #4 seed.

From the opening tip, Five Towns established their identity by attacking the paint and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. The Sound’s ability to score inside was on full display as they recorded 42 points in the paint—an area where Carlow could not keep up. This focus on interior play helped Five Towns build a significant advantage, even when their perimeter shooting dipped.

Key Stats:

• Field Goal Efficiency: Five Towns hit 32 of 86 shots (37.2%), a mark that was slightly higher than Carlow’s 35.7%.
• Three-Point Shooting: The Sound struggled from deep, connecting on just 8 of 38 attempts (21.1%), compared to Carlow’s 23.1% from beyond the arc.
• Free Throws: Five Towns were nearly flawless at the line, converting 12 of 17 attempts (70.6%) to outpace Carlow’s 65.6% (21-of-32).
• Rebounding: The teams were evenly matched on the boards, with Five Towns grabbing 54 rebounds to Carlow’s 57.
• Turnovers: The Sound kept their turnovers to 17, significantly lower than Carlow’s 25, and turned those mistakes into 29 extra points.

Standout Performances

• Danayjha Moore led the way for the Sound, scoring a game-high 24 points in 37 minutes. Though her shooting was challenged from the field (8-for-29) and beyond the arc (5-for-21), Moore’s ability to contribute on free throws (3-for-5) and distribute the ball (2 assists) was a key factor in keeping the offense fluid.
• Layla Ford was a model of efficiency, turning in 17 points on an impressive 8-for-12 shooting clip while pulling down 8 rebounds. Her presence in the paint and on the boards helped anchor the Sound’s interior efforts.
• Ihari Oromo contributed 10 points along with 13 rebounds, underscoring her role as the team’s rebounder and inside scorer. Her 7 offensive rebounds provided crucial second-chance opportunities.
• Danica Robles added 11 points and facilitated 4 assists, rounding out the starting unit with solid playmaking and defensive effort.
• Off the bench, Des Bishop provided an energy boost, chipping in 14 points in 24 minutes. His contributions helped the Sound maintain their lead when the starters were resting.

The game was marked by a few pivotal moments, including a 12-point surge—the largest lead of the night—that came in the second quarter and helped propel Five Towns to an early advantage. Despite Carlow’s efforts to claw back in the third quarter, the Sound’s focus on defense and smart ball movement allowed them to control the tempo.

Five Towns’ bench also made a significant impact, contributing 16 points overall, which was instrumental in providing the starters with well-timed rest. This depth allowed the Sound to maintain energy and continuity throughout the contest.

“Tonight, our team showed great character and determination,” said Head Coach Corey Jaques. “We may have struggled from the three-point line, but our strength in the paint and our ability to control turnovers set us apart. Every player contributed to this win, and we’ll take this momentum into the semis against a team we know well.”

With the win over Carlow, Five Towns College now has some momentum as they look forward to their contest on Thursday against the #1 seed Bryant Stratton - Buffalo; a team they have faced twice already this season. In those contests, the Sound did not fare well, dropping both contest, the second being a 1-point heartbreaker. As we well know, the coaching staff will make their adjustments by working on improving the team's perimeter shooting, while maintaining the strong interior play that proved so effective tonight. The Sound remain optimistic and determined, with the belief that this victory is a stepping stone to even greater success in this tournament.

Support the Sound this Thursday, Mar 13, at 5:30 PM EDT as they face Bryant & Stratton (Buffalo) in Buffalo, N.Y. in the USCAA Division 1 Small College National Championship Semifinal!