Under The Radar: Women's Basketball

Yesterday we started of the Under The Radar series by taking a look at three men's basketball players that have quietly been having very nice seasons. Today, we'll switch over to women's basketball to get our list started with Albany, Binghamton and Boston U. Keep in mind that we're looking for players that were not on preseason all-conference squads. Enjoy!

Megan Craig

Albany Great Danes

Albany has a few players that could be mentioned here. Of course it all starts with their pre-season all-conference selections, Ebone Henry and Julie Forster. But Lindsey Lowrie, who shot a solid 36 percent from long-range last year, has evolved into one of the top three-point threats in the nation. Freshman Shereesha Richards has burst onto the scenes to become a big threat inside. However, Megan Craig has quietly become one of the most efficient players in the league.

Craig plays just 19.1 minutes per game, yet she averages 11.6 points per game (4th in AE) and 5.1 rebounds per game (T-17 in AE). In particular, her offensive efficiency is tough to match. Of the 13 players in the America East currently averaging 10 points per game or more, Craig is the only one to play fewer than 20 minutes per game. She is the only player in the top seven that doesn't play at least 30 minutes per game. Her short spurts of dominance have been a huge boost for Albany this year.

Binghamton Bearcats

Having lost three players that averaged double figures in scoring from a year ago, Binghamton knew it would face a challenge in replacing that scoring. Jasbriell Swain averaged 2.5 points per game in 2011-12, but here in 2012-13, the junior is top 10 in the conference with 10.7 points per game. Swain has also found a multitude of ways to help out when she's not scoring. She averages 1.2 blocks per game (3rd in AE) and 3.5 assists per game (4th in AE). This combo is a testament to her athleticism.

Swain has been the Bearcats leading scorer in four of their six conference games, including a career-high 25 against Vermont and 11 in a big win over Hartford. As she continues to come into her own as a scorer, opposing defenses will have their hands full.

Rashidat Agboola

Boston University Terriers

The Terriers have been winning games all year long thanks in large part to their senior duo of Chantell Alford and Mo Moran. A battle-tested pair, Alford leads the league in scoring while Moran leads in assists. As it turns out, Boston U. also boasts the America East's leading rebounder as well.

Rashidat Agboola has been part of a trio that has Boston U. off to a 16-3 start including 6-0 to date in conference play. The 6'1" Massachusetts native has been a force on the boards, hauling in 9.1 per game, including 3.1 per game on the offensive glass (2nd in AE). Agboola, however, is not simply a rebounder and if you take a look at the conference leader boards, you'll see her name all over the place: 1.6 blocks per game (2nd), 35.6 minutes per game (2nd), 11.4 points per game (6th), 45.6 percent FG (8th). It's hard to believe she still has another year to get better.

Box Scores, Recaps and Highlights

at Maine 71, Vermont 68: Box/Recap/Highlights

• Top Performer
• Alisdair Fraser (Maine): 20 points (9-15 FG; 2-4 3FG), 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks
• Big Stat
• Justin Edwards went to work in the second half, netting 15 of his game high 22 points in the final 20 minutes. Plagued by turnovers in the first half, Edwards turned over the rock just once in the second half, a huge key for Maine. Vermont also went cold from distance in the final 20, shooting just 18.2 percent compared to 44.4 percent in the first half.
• Supporting Cast
• Clancy Rugg continues to step up big time for Vermont in the absence of the Luke Apfeld. The lanky forward had 21 points and six boards in this one. For Maine, Zarko Valjarevic had a career-high 13 points on the game but 10 of them came in the second half. Those 10 points included two big free throws to seal the win.
• Local Media
• Bangor Daily News
• Burlington Free Press

Linked Up

The Troy Record has a pair of Albany men's basketball stories today, one on Jacob Iati and the other on Peter Hooley.

The Bearcats Basketball Blog has news of men's basketball commitment.

New Hampshire track and field athletes participated in the Pease Greeters Program.

Stony Brook announced a multi-year agreement with PMI College and Madison Sports Partnerships this morning.

When you watch the HarBowl in about a week and a half, make sure to look for former New Hampshire football star and current Baltimore Ravens cornerback, Corey Graham.