But it can be said to be a draft.
Lily Phillips missed a 3-pointer at that stage in UAlbany’s game against Syracuse at the JMA Dome on Wednesday night, but was given another chance with three seconds left to seal a 73-70 win.
It was a rare win for America East’s UAlbany over a Power 5 conference team, and one that the Great Danes celebrated appropriately on the court after the final buzzer sounded.
It was also a perfect demonstration of the kind of team coach Colleen Mullen and her staff believe they have a veteran group that can come at opponents from a variety of angles this season.
Syracuse’s win wasn’t a reason to give up against Cornell, which will play UAlbany (5-0) at Broadview Center on Saturday at 7 p.m.
“I think we’re going to handle it the right way because this is a special team,” Mullen said after practice Friday afternoon. “It’s natural to be really excited about it, and I think we deserve to be really excited about this. This is a great game and it’s amazing. But this should not be the pinnacle of our season.
“We are still in a single-bid league and need to win our conference tournament to make the NCAA Tournament.”
The game-winning shot came from Monmouth transfer Cassie Donovan, who caught an inbounds pass and passed it back to point guard Jessica Tomasetti, who immediately double-teamed her and threw away the play she had planned during a timeout.
Tomasetti handed it back to Donovan, who found Phillips in the corner. The Cambridge High School graduate did the rest.
“It was pretty much the same look on the previous play because I was there to take a shot from the corner and I missed it,” Phillips said. “I knew I had to shoot it when I got it. There are only 4 seconds left.
“I thought the (previous) shot felt really good. I was surprised that it was turned off. But my shot felt pretty good, so I just have to shoot it when it’s open.”
“They kept attacking Jess. Jess was very calm and collected,” Donovan said. “She gets out of that trap and gets me the ball, and we work on special situations every day in practice, and even if it doesn’t work out, we keep practicing.
“I drove to the hoop and knew someone was going to be open. Because Jess already had two and Lilly had a very confident shot.”
That confidence grew during Phillips’ time at UAlbany, Mullen said.
It didn’t hurt that the left corner was Phillips’ sweet spot behind the 3-point arc, but she’s also been working on getting it down sooner since her freshman season, and the three against Syracuse was evidence of that.
“If her shot was that slow, she never would have made it,” Mullen said. “I told her, ‘You didn’t have that much space.’ ‘I felt like I had a lot, but when I looked again, I realized there wasn’t that much space,’ he said. “She was mentally and physically ready and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
It’s worth noting that on the winning play, the ball went from grad to grad and back to the first grad, and found grad on a play that worked despite being stymied by the defense.
“It was a really important moment for our program. Because we called the play and they locked it in. We couldn’t run the play,” Mullen said. “This is a type of attack that is much more suited to players making their own decisions, allowing them to flow more freely in transition so they don’t have to look at me. ‘Coach, it didn’t work. , what should I do?’ and there were 6 seconds left on the clock.
They trusted their instincts, their preparation, and each other. “It was really nice to see.”
Also notable is that none of the graduates fouled out, including the Great Danes’ best player, Kayla Cooper, with 10.8 seconds left.
“Kayla did the same thing as Kayla. But when she got fouled, I didn’t think, ‘Oh my God, the world is ending,’” Mullen said. “She’s our go-to person, but I never had that horrible feeling of, ‘What should I do?’ There was confidence and balance on the court because people were playing so well. And Kaci made a tremendous play.”
Now it’s Cornell’s turn.
This means that as rewarding as the Syracuse win has been, there is no time for lingering emotions.
“It was very special,” Phillips said. “We’ve played big Power 5 schools for four years and come pretty close, but to actually finally get a win was really amazing.
“We talked about changing chapters. We want to celebrate those wins as much as we can, but time goes by so quickly. “We can’t think about that game too long because Cornell is a really important team and a really good team.”
**How significant is UAlbany’s win against Syracuse in terms of program development and national recognition for women’s basketball?**
## World Today News Interview: UAlbany’s Upset Victory Over Syracuse
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News, where we break down the biggest stories in sports and beyond. Today, we’re diving deep into UAlbany women’s basketball’s stunning upset victory over Syracuse. Joining us are two fantastic guests: Coach Colleen Mullen, the mastermind behind the Great Danes’ success, and Lily Phillips, the hero of the game with the game-winning shot.
**Section 1: The Thrill of Victory: A Defining Moment**
* **Coach Mullen:** This victory was a huge statement for your program. Can you describe the emotions in the locker room after the final buzzer sounded, and what this win signifies for UAlbany women’s basketball?
* **Lily Phillips:** You mentioned feeling “really excited” after the game. What was going through your mind in those final seconds, and how does it feel to be responsible for such a memorable shot?
**Section 2: Building a Winning Culture: A Team Effort**
* **Coach Mullen:** The article highlights the veteran leadership on this team. How crucial was the experience and poise of your players in overcoming adversity and executing in the clutch?
* **Lily Phillips:** We see from the play description that the ball moved swiftly between transfers. How has the team chemistry developed, and how has the integration of new players contributed to this success?
**Section 3: The Power of Trust: A Formula for Success**
* **Coach Mullen:** You mentioned trusting your players to make decisions on the court, even when the original play broke down. Can you elaborate on the importance of empowering your athletes and allowing them to trust their instincts?
* **Lily Phillips:** How does this trust from your coach translate into confidence on the court, especially in high-pressure situations?
**Section 4: Moving Forward: Maintaining Momentum**
* **Coach Mullen:** While savoring the victory, you have emphasized the importance of shifting focus to the next challenge. How do you ensure the team remains grounded and focused on the season’s goals after such a significant win?
* **Lily Phillips:** Looking ahead to Cornell, what has the team learned from the Syracuse game that will be crucial in facing a strong opponent like the Big Red?
**Section 5: Looking Ahead: The Future Is Bright**
* **Coach Mullen:** UAlbany has a history of success, but this win against a Power 5 team feels like a stepping stone. What are your aspirations for this season, and how does this victory fuel those goals?
* **Lily Phillips:** What message would you like to send to young athletes who are watching your story unfold, especially those who dream of playing at the collegiate level?
**Conclusion**
Thank you, Coach Mullen and Lily Phillips, for taking the time to share your insights with us. This victory is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in yourself and each other. We wish you and the Great Danes continued success throughout the season!
