SAINTS HOLD ON FOR 60-55 GNAC WIN OVER JOHNSON & WALES

PROVIDENCE, RI– After spotting Emmanuel a 19-point lead, the Johnson & Wales University women's basketball team mounted a comeback that came up just short. The Wildcats dropped a 60-55 decision to the Saints on Thursday.

Records:
Emmanuel: 11-5, 7-1 GNAC
Johnson & Wales: 8-7, 4-3 GNAC

Statistical Leaders:
Ashley Thompson (JWU): 26 points, 5 rebounds
Raquel Pederzani (JWU): 13 points, 5 assists, 5 steals
Alexis Ezell (EC): 12 points, 13 rebounds

Of Note:  
A Kayla Weaver layup with 38 seconds remaining in the first half gave the Saints a 34-17 advantage.  The lead got to as many as 39-20 on a Ryan Maynard three pointer less than three minutes into the fourth quarter. JWU went on an 11-0 run to cut the lead to eight.

JWU only allowed Emmanuel to scored six points through the first nine minutes of the fourth quarter. A Kimberly Viafara (Woodside, NY) layup with 38 seconds left pulled the Wildcats within 53-50. Unfortunately, the Saints made seven free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Leading all scorers was the Wildcats Ashley Thompson (Bellingham, Mass.) as she poured in 26 points and grabbed five boards. Raquel Pederzani (Coventry, RI) was next with 13 points to go along five steals and five assists. JWU forced Emmanuel into 24 turnovers, but could only convert those into 15 points.

The Saints had a balanced scoring attack with five players scoring nine or more points. Olivia Dalphonse posted a team-best 13 points while Alexis Ezell had a 12-point, 13 rebound double-double. Emmanuel made twice as many three-pointers (6-12) as the Wildcats (3-10) and had a 24-18 advantage for points in the paint.

Up Next:                      
The Wildcats are on the road Saturday when they tipoff against Lasell while the Saints play host to University of Saint Joseph (CT). Both games are scheduled for 1:00 PM.

*Release courtesy of JWU Athletic Communications