NEW YORK, N.Y.- In a playoff battle that swung back and forth deep into the fourth quarter, the No. 2 seeded Hunter College women's basketball team delivered in the biggest moments, pulling away late for an 80-70 victory over No. 3 Lehman in the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) semifinal at home on Wednesday evening.
With the win, the Hawks advance to the CUNYAC championship game for a rematch with No. 1 Brooklyn College in a repeat of last season's title showdown. The championship is set for Friday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Baruch College.
Hunter set the tone early, building a 35-25 halftime advantage behind sharp execution on both ends. Alexa Charles controlled the tempo from the opening tip, attacking the rim, knocking down mid-range jumpers and anchoring the Hawks on the glass.
Lehman surged in the third quarter to tighten the contest and eventually pulled within a single possession late in the fourth, setting up a tense finish. But when the pressure mounted, Hunter responded with poise.
Wanhua Peng drilled a clutch 3-pointer to give the Hawks the lead, igniting the Sportsplex crowd. Moments later, Mia Fuller buried another triple to create separation. From there, Charles took over. The senior star converted a fast-break layup through contact, calmly sank free throws down the stretch and added a late basket to seal the victory.
Charles finished with a dominant 35-point, 11-rebound double-double, shooting 12-for-21 from the field and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line while playing all 40 minutes. Murray added nine points and was flawless at the stripe, going 9-for-9, while Fuller contributed nine points, five rebounds and three steals in a complete performance.
Hunter shot confidently and aggressively throughout, attacking the paint and capitalizing at the foul line when it mattered most. The Hawks' composure in the final minutes — coupled with timely shot-making and defensive stops — proved to be the difference in a semifinal worthy of the stage.
Now, with momentum on their side, the Hawks turn their attention to Friday night's championship clash. Tickets will be available starting at 12 p.m. tomorrow here.
