HOUGHTON, N.Y. - The SUNY Geneseo women's basketball team won its second-straight Empire 8 championship on Saturday afternoon at Houghton, defeating the Highlanders 66-52. Grace Galgano was named the Tournament MVP, while Eva Elliot was named the Torchbearer Award winner. The championship marks the program's eighth overall, while winning both Empire 8 titles since joining the league.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Geneseo set the tone early, as Aliza Whitehead buried a three-pointer, followed by a jumper from Maggie McGrane and a layup from Grace Galgano. Houghton got on the board midway through the frame, but the Knights didn't let up. Galgano capped the quarter with a fastbreak layup, giving Geneseo a 17-13 lead over the Highlanders.
• Geneseo continued to attack in the paint in the second quarter, with Audrey Hintz and Galgano each knocking down two field goals. Both teams traded baskets down the stretch, as Geneseo outscored Houghton 13-12 in the frame. Hintz sealed the quarter with a layup in the final six seconds, sending the Knights into the break with a 30-25 lead.
• In the third quarter, McGrane sparked the Knights' offense with eight points, knocking down two field goals and two three-pointers. Geneseo began to pull away as the clock wound down, taking a 47-40 lead into the final quarter. 
• The Knights stormed ahead in the fourth quarter, putting up 19 points while Houghton managed 12. With 28 seconds left to play, McGrane buried two free throws to seal the 66-52 championship victory.

QUICK FACTS:

• Galgano and Hintz dominated the offense with 16 points each. Both combined for 13 field goals, 15 rebounds, and six free throws.
• McGrane chipped in with 14 points and shot 4-for-8 from the field, including 10 rebounds.
• Kristin Suydam contributed 10 points, bringing her season total to 280. 

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Knights will tune in to the NCAA selection show on Monday at 2:30 p.m. to learn their first round opponent and location.