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Pucci hits buzzer-beater as Binghamton tops Bryant 45-44 in America East quarterfinals
Binghamton advances to America East semifinals with last-second victory
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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Bella Pucci hit a buzzer-beater to lift the Binghamton Bearcats over the Bryant Bulldogs 45-44 in the America East quarterfinals on Thursday night. The game-winning shot came after a back-and-forth contest that saw Bryant take a late lead, only for Pucci to deliver the dramatic final shot to send Binghamton to the semifinals.
Why it matters
This victory continues Binghamton's strong season and keeps their hopes alive for an America East championship. The close, competitive nature of the game also highlights the parity in the conference, with the Bearcats and Bulldogs having played several tight matchups this year.
The details
Binghamton trailed for much of the game but rallied in the second half, taking a late lead before Bryant regained it in the final minute. With just 5 seconds left, Pucci took the inbound pass and hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer to give Binghamton the 45-44 victory.
- The game was played on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
- Binghamton will face Maine in the America East semifinals on Monday at 6 p.m.
The players
Bella Pucci
The Binghamton player who hit the game-winning buzzer-beater shot to lift the Bearcats over Bryant.
Mary Grimes
The head coach of the Binghamton Bearcats women's basketball team.
Bryant Bulldogs
The opponent of Binghamton in the America East quarterfinal game.
Binghamton Bearcats
The home team that defeated Bryant in the close quarterfinal matchup.
What they’re saying
“That student section was rocking! I mean, I'm glad they were on our side. Shoutout to our lacrosse team they showed out and I think in the second half they had their helmets on I didn't know what happened! So I love their passion and we're going to show them the same support when they get out on the field as well.”
— Mary Grimes, Binghamton Bearcats head coach (wbng.com)
“I don't have any thoughts right now. I can't really think, but I have to give credit to everyone on my team, my coaches. I wasn't having the best shooting game but coach came over to me right before than and was like if you get the ball go to the basket, and I did. Bryant is a great defensive team they shut me down, they shut most of us down but like we said the whole season we never give up no matter what the score is.”
— Bella Pucci (wbng.com)
What’s next
Binghamton will face the Maine Black Bears in the America East semifinals on Monday at 6 p.m.
The takeaway
Binghamton's dramatic victory over Bryant in the America East quarterfinals showcases the competitiveness of the conference, with the Bearcats rallying late to advance on a last-second shot. The win keeps Binghamton's championship hopes alive as they prepare to face Maine in the semifinals.
