Ally Landau’s last-second basket lifts Smith College basketball past Amherst 52-50, into fourth straight NCAA Div. 3 Sweet 16 (PHOTOS)

Smith guard Ally Landau (5) attempts a layup during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. The layup would eventually score, giving Smith the win over Amherst 52-50.

Smith guard Ally Landau (5) attempts a layup during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. The layup would eventually score, giving Smith the win over Amherst 52-50. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Piper Corey, left, and Smith fans erupt with cheers after a basket is made during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Piper Corey, left, and Smith fans erupt with cheers after a basket is made during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst guard Laura Mendell, right, keeps the ball from Smith Guard Ally Landau (5) during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Amherst guard Laura Mendell, right, keeps the ball from Smith Guard Ally Landau (5) during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith guard Hannah Martin (22) dribbles around Amherst guard Reagan Pahl, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Smith guard Hannah Martin (22) dribbles around Amherst guard Reagan Pahl, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith's Virginia Johnson (11) looks to rebound the ball during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Smith's Virginia Johnson (11) looks to rebound the ball during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst guard Reagan Pahl (2) attempts a layup during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Amherst guard Reagan Pahl (2) attempts a layup during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith forward Ella Sylvester, left, attempts to pass Amherst forward Maya Cwalina, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Smith forward Ella Sylvester, left, attempts to pass Amherst forward Maya Cwalina, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith guard Ally Landau, left, passes the ball around Amherst guard Laura Mendell, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Smith guard Ally Landau, left, passes the ball around Amherst guard Laura Mendell, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst guard Laura Mendell, left, and Smith guard Maggie Fleming, right, compete for the ball during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Amherst guard Laura Mendell, left, and Smith guard Maggie Fleming, right, compete for the ball during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith guard Ally Landau, right, attempts a shot during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Smith guard Ally Landau, right, attempts a shot during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith guard Ally Landau (5) looks to rebound the ball during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Smith guard Ally Landau (5) looks to rebound the ball during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

The Smith bench erupts with cheers after a play during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

The Smith bench erupts with cheers after a play during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst guard Anna Tranum (10) attempts a three-point shot during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Amherst guard Anna Tranum (10) attempts a three-point shot during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Head Coach G.P. Gromacki talks to the team during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Amherst Head Coach G.P. Gromacki talks to the team during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst forward Maya Cwalina (21) attempts a shot over Smith forward Jazmyn Washington (2) during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Amherst forward Maya Cwalina (21) attempts a shot over Smith forward Jazmyn Washington (2) during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst forward Brielle Renwick (24) attempts a layup past Smith guard Ally Landau, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Amherst forward Brielle Renwick (24) attempts a layup past Smith guard Ally Landau, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst guard Kori Barach attempts a layup during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Amherst guard Kori Barach attempts a layup during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith guard Hannah Martin celebrates a play with a teammate during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton.

Smith guard Hannah Martin celebrates a play with a teammate during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst guard Laura Mendell, left, attempts to dribble around Smith guard Maggie Fleming, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday.

Amherst guard Laura Mendell, left, attempts to dribble around Smith guard Maggie Fleming, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Head Coach G.P. Gromacki and the team bench erupt after a foul was called during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday.

Amherst Head Coach G.P. Gromacki and the team bench erupt after a foul was called during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith Head Coach Lynn Hersey talks to the team during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday.

Smith Head Coach Lynn Hersey talks to the team during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst guard Anna Tranum (10) attempts a shot during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday.

Amherst guard Anna Tranum (10) attempts a shot during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Smith at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith players celebrate after winning the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst 52-50 at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday.

Smith players celebrate after winning the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst 52-50 at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith players celebrate with the crowd after winning the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst 52-50 at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday.

Smith players celebrate with the crowd after winning the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst 52-50 at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst guard Macie Nugent, left, dribbles around Smith guard Maggie Fleming, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday.

Amherst guard Macie Nugent, left, dribbles around Smith guard Maggie Fleming, right, during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith guard Ally Landau, right, looks to attempt a shot during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday.

Smith guard Ally Landau, right, looks to attempt a shot during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game against Amherst at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith Head Coach Lynn Hersey, right, shakes hands with Amherst Head Coach G.P. Gromacki, left, after winning the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game 52-50 at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday.

Smith Head Coach Lynn Hersey, right, shakes hands with Amherst Head Coach G.P. Gromacki, left, after winning the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game 52-50 at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Smith guard Ally Landau (5) attempts a layup past Amherst guard Reagan Pahl (2) during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday.

Smith guard Ally Landau (5) attempts a layup past Amherst guard Reagan Pahl (2) during the NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball tournament Round of 32 game at Ainsworth Gym, Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

By GARRETT COTE

Staff Writer

Published: 03-08-2025 11:22 PM

NORTHAMPTON — The Smith College women’s basketball team’s nine-point fourth quarter lead in the NCAA Division 3 Women’s Basketball second round had evaporated. Amherst College clawed its way back in it on the defensive end, holding the host Pioneers to just six points for the first 9 minutes, 30 seconds of the frame, and got a massive 3-pointer from guard Reagan Pahl with 13 seconds left to tie the game at 50 apiece. Smith’s deafening crowd turned silent as head coach Lynn Hersey called timeout to draw up a play.

Enter Ally Landau.

Jane Loo inbounded the ball to Landau, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Haverford prior to this season. Landau dribbled out by the half-court circle as Smith ran its set. Maggie Fleming set the initial screen, and Jazmyn Washington soon followed. Instead of Landau using the Washington pick, she noticed her Amherst defender leaning that way, crossed over and bolted toward the basket. Her quick first step left the Mammoths in the dust.

Landau connected on a runner with a kiss off the glass as the buzzer sounded.

The score read 52-50 in favor of Smith. Pandemonium ensued.

The officials went to the monitor and eventually put 0.3 seconds back on the clock, but there wasn’t enough time for Amherst to get a shot off. The final horn rang – although nobody could hear it over a sold-out Ainsworth Gymnasium – one more time, sending Smith to its fourth consecutive NCAA Div. 3 Sweet 16.

“I came here for moments like this,” Landau said. “I think every athlete dreams of a moment like that – packed home court, game on the line. [Washington] set me up perfectly with the screen and I got a wide-open look. Can’t really get any better than that.”

Trailing by nine points with under seven minutes to go, Amherst’s Annie McCarthy drilled a 3 to spur a 7-0 Mammoths run, which included a Laura Mendell layup and two more McCarthy points. Smith still led 46-44 as time ticked under four minutes. Landau made a layup at the 3:10 mark to snap a 6-minute Pioneers scoring drought. The score stayed put at 48-44 until the final minute.

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Mendell split a pair at the line, making it a one-possession game again. A Smith turnover was the result of its next trip down, setting up Amherst with a chance to tie. Mammoths head coach G.P. Gromacki called timeout and drew up a play for Pahl, who missed an open look from 3. But Mendell skied in to clean up the miss and bank home a layup. Amherst only trailed by one, 48-47, with 30 seconds remaining.

Ella Sylvester was fouled and calmly knocked down two clutch free throws to bring Smith’s lead back up to three. Gromacki called a very similar play on Amherst’s ensuing possession, and Pahl found herself all alone once more. This time, she sank it – knotting the score at 50.

Landau’s heroics capped off an unbelievable game between Hampshire County programs that hadn’t met since 2007. It was a bout that neither of the two national heavyweights deserved to lose.

“Deepest respect to the Amherst players,” Hersey said. “They came in tonight and really battled, executed with their game plan. They put up a good last fourth-quarter push, and it really made the game close and it challenged our end-of-game execution. I just want to congratulate them on a great year as well. Super proud of our team for pulling this one out.”

Gromacki had similar thoughts on Saturday’s barn burner.

“Congratulations to [Smith], they’re moving on,” Gromacki said. “It was a heck of a game, fun to be a part of… It was a tremendous game with runs here and there, and I can’t be more proud of [our team]. I think probably most people in that gym thought the game was in hand and it was over, but we made plays when we needed to.”

Smith was led by Landau’s game-high 15 points and game-high 11 rebounds, her second double-double in as many nights. Sylvester added 10 points, Virginia Johnson (9 points) came off the bench and made a trio of 3s to spark the Pioneers in the first half and both Hannah Martin and Jane Loo tossed in eight points in the win.

Washington only had two points, but she played 37 out of the 40 minutes of game time and was the primary defender on Maya Cwalina – Amherst’s star forward who held to six points.

“The practices that we’ve had is what’s prepared me to defend,” Washington, a senior, said. “I’ve been defending amazing post players since the beginning of my time here, and [former Smith player and graduate assistant coach Sofia Rosa] I was battling with every day and she was one of our top posts. So I’ve just had experience… and also having trust with my teammates that they’re going to have my back.”

Four Amherst players netted at least nine points on Saturday, with Kori Barach using 11 points to pace the Mammoths. Pahl scored 10, Anna Tranum and Mendell had nine each while Cwalina (six points, seven rebounds) and McCarthy (five points) combined for 11.

When Barach and Cwalina, the two lone seniors on Amherst, were freshmen, they went to the Final Four in 2022. After two seasons away from the tournament, they returned this year as seniors to lead the Mammoths to the second round and almost into the Sweet 16. Gromacki was emotional when addressing his two captains postgame.

“They’re bringing tears to my eyes,” he said. “It’s just really sad to see them go, and how fast it went by. What these two have done for our program and for our team, it really was a great family. It’s sad to go out this way. But I told them in the locker room, it’s not about this one game. It’s about what we experienced this year as a team. I can’t thank these two and the rest of the team [enough].”

Amherst finished its season 20-8.

As for Smith, the Pioneers (28-2) advance to the Sweet 16 for a fourth time in a row, and they will travel to Maine to take on No. 1 overall seed Bowdoin – a team they beat in the Elite Eight a year ago. The rematch, scheduled for next Friday night, should certainly be a fun one.