GROTON, Conn. ---- Tatiana Dias (Brockton) poured in a career-high 33 points but the Massasoit women's basketball team came up short at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point, 86-78, on Wednesday night.
Massasoit dropped to 5-12 with the loss, while UCAP has won five straight, improving to 13-5.
"UCAP got out ahead early on against us," head coach Taryn Johnson said. "They were getting it out quick in transition and were up by 26 at one point in the first quarter. We were able to chip away and were down 15 at the half by being able to slow down their fast break. I'm proud of the way we fought back and didn't give up."
Dias finished with a double-double adding 10 assists to her career-best 33 point-effort. The freshman point guard shot 14-for-22 from the floor and added four steals and three rebounds for the Warriors.
"Tati (Dias) put on a pick-and-roll workshop tonight," Johnson said. "UCAP could not cover her off the screen and she was getting to the basket with ease. Tasha (Elias) was getting some wide open looks for 3s and Gabby (Boutin) played outstanding for us in the post."
Natascha Elias (Brockton) drained six 3s en route to a 20-point showing, while Laura Malley (Halifax) and Gabby Boutin (Middleboro) combined for 15 points and 20 rebounds in the post.
Massasoit fell behind 33-15 after one quarter of action, but pulled back within six points, 66-60, entering the fourth.
The Warriors played even with UCAP in the fourth, but were unable to overcome the big first quarter deficit.
UCAP was led by Falecia Cabral who finished with 33 points. The Pointers placed five players in double figures.
Massasoit hosts nationally ranked Gateway CC (No. 7) on Saturday at 1 p.m.
DIAS HAS A DAY: Tatiana Dias' 33 points marked a career-high for the freshman and most by a Massasoit player this season. It also marked the most points by a Massasoit women's basketball since Fredi Lawson netted 34 vs. Bristol CC on Feb. 22, 2014.
ELIAS ELECTRIC FROM DOWNTOWN: Natascha Elias buried six 3-pointers in the loss at UCAP. It marked her fourth game with six or more 3s in a game this year. Over her last two games, the freshman is 14-for-22 from downtown.
BOUTIN CRASHES BOARDS: Gabby Boutin pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds at UCAP. She also just missed her career-best in points, finishing with six in the loss.