YORK, Pa. – The Salisbury University women's basketball team trumped No. 19 York (Pa.) College, 66-53, as sophomore guard Courtney McManus hit five three-pointers on her way to a career-best 19 points in the Capital Athletic Conference contest. The win marks the first time the Sea Gulls have defeated the Spartans since Feb. 6, 2008 with a score of 58-55.

The first half proved to be fairly even as the two teams entered halftime tied at 29 each. York held the upper hand with a 42.3 shooting percentage but the Sea Gulls were not far behind making 40 percent of their shots, connecting on their one three-point try and hitting all four free-throw attempts.

As the final 20 minutes of play continued the teams remained even with the Gulls tying the game, 33-33, for the ninth and final time as junior forward Becca Himes converted two free-throw attempts with 17 minutes to play.

York (11-3, 2-1 CAC) took its final lead of the night as Alia Smith hit a jumper before McManus sank her second shot from outside to give SU a 36-35 advantage. McManus caught fire in the second half scoring 14 points, 12 of which came from behind the arc, as the sophomore went 5-for-7 in three-point attempts for the game.

The Salisbury defense in the second half was the difference, holding York to a 24.2 shooting percentage while the Sea Gulls hit 48 percent of their shots in the final period.

SU (7-6, 2-0 CAC) took its largest lead of the night as freshman forward Julia McLaughlin made a jumper to give Salisbury an 18-point cushion with 1:17 remaining as the Gulls went on to win, 66-53.

Sophomore point guard Anna Hackett and senior forward Katie McGahagan each scored 13 total points while McGahagan grabbed eight rebounds and dished out three assists. Hackett pulled down six boards and had four assists. 

Salisbury will continue in CAC play as it hosts its first home contest of the New Year against the University of Mary Washington on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m.