Women's Basketball Posts 63-51 Win Over Suffolk

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The visiting Bridgewater State University women's basketball team posted a 63-51 victory over Suffolk University on Thursday night at Smith Court.

The Bears improve to 2-0 with the win, while the Rams (0-1) were playing in their season opener.

BSU senior guard Sydney Bradbury (East Bridgewater, Mass.) led all players with 19 points, including four three-pointers in the first quarter. Bradbury also added four rebounds, four assists, four steals and a blocked shot. Sophomore forward Kylie Grassi (Plymouth, Mass.) checked in with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, four steals and block for the Bears, while junior guard Caroline Tripp (Plymouth, Mass.) came off the bench to notch seven points, a team-best 11 rebounds and a game-high five assists.

Junior forward Amanda DeAngelis (Londonderry, N.H.) recorded a double-double with 18 points and a game-best 16 rebounds (four offensive) to lead the way for Suffolk. The Rams also received eight points and 14 boards (eight offensive) from graduate center Katie Kirsch (Pelham, N.H.).

With the score knotted at seven apiece early in the first quarter, the Bears used a 15-2 run, capped off by a pair of Bradbury trifectas, to open up a 22-9 lead. Bradbury connected for four three-pointers in the opening period as the Bears led 25-16 after one.

A pair of layups by Tripp and senior guard Kylee Piche (Bridgewater, Mass.) helped Bridgewater regain the double-digit advantage (29-18) with 8:38 remaining in the second quarter.  The Bears, however, connected on just 2 of 16 field goals for the remainder of the period including 0-for-6 from behind the arc as the lead shrunk to five (34-29) at the break. Fortunately, Suffolk did not take full advantage of the Bears' offensive woes as the Rams went 4-for-11 from the floor and just 3-for-7 at the free throw line during the same stretch while turning the ball over four times.

The visitors continued to struggle to start the third quarter as the Bears made just one field goal (1-for-6), missed a pair of free throws, turned the ball over five times and committed six fouls over the first 4 ½ minutes of the period. A 10-2 run to open the session gave the host Rams a 39-36 lead.

An offensive rebound followed by a pair of free throws by Piche jumpstarted an explosive 9-0 BSU run which was capped off by a Bradbury three-pointer. In a span of 59 seconds the Bears went from down three points to up six, 45-39.

Neither team made a field goal over the final four-plus minutes of the period. The only points came at the line as the Rams went 5-for-6 from the stripe, while Piche sank a pair of free throws for the Bears with nine seconds showing on the scoreboard.

Clinging to a three-point lead (47-44) entering the final quarter, Bridgewater used a strong defensive effort to limit the Rams to just three points over the first six minutes of the session. An 11-3 run, highlighted by a pair of three-point plays from sophomore forwards Jessica D'Amours (Feeding Hills, Mass.) and Jordan Peebles (Middleboro, Mass.), gave the visitors an 11-point cushion (58-47) with 3:29 left to play. Suffolk would not threaten the rest of the way as the Bears came away with the 63-51 victory.

Bridgewater shot 30.9% (21-68) for the game, 23.8% (5-21) from three-point range and 69.6% (16-23) at the free throw line.

The BSU defense held the Rams to 26.9% (18-67) shooting including just 1-for-7 (14.3%) from behind the arc. The Rams also went just 14-for-24 (583%) at the free throw line.

The Bears held a decided 23-7 advantage in points off turnovers.

In upcoming action, the Bears travel to Regis College on Saturday afternoon for a one o'clock game with the Pride. The Rams are off until next Tuesday night when they entertain Salem State University at seven.