STRONG SECOND HALF LIFTS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL OVER RIVIER, 65-58

Nashua, NH - The Emmanuel College women's basketball team overcame a 12 point halftime deficit to defeat Rivier University, 65-58, Sunday afternoon at the Muldoon Center in Nashua, N.H. The Saints, who improve to 18-5 overall and a perfect 10-0 in the GNAC, were led by Fiona O'Dwyer and Jennifer Bujnowski. The pair combined for 32 points and 19 rebounds. Bujnowski recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Chenae Earle also added 9 points off the bench for the Saints.

For Rivier, sophomore Deanna Purcell (Hudson, NH) scored 11 of her game high 19 points in the second half to pace the Raider offense. Junior A.J. Guidi (Derry, NH) recorded 15 points – all in the first half – and junior Ryan Baker (Whitinsville, MA) added 8 points in the loss.

The game was a story of two halves, as Guidi paced the Raiders attack in the first half shooting 4-for-6 from beyond the arc for 15 total points. Rivier entered the locker room with a 35-23 advantage.

However, the Saints came out on fire to begin the second stanza. For the opening 5 ½ minutes, Emmanuel embarked on a 17-4 run to knot things up at 40. They would eventually grow the lead to as much as 12 before Rivier went on a run of their own. Trailing by 10 (59-49) with 4:22 remaining, the Raiders chipped away and after a three-pointer from Purcell, were only down 61-58 with 1:53 left to play. However, the Raiders' upset wasn't meant to be as the Saints blocked a shot and knocked down four free throws in the final seconds to secure the 65-58 win.

Rivier's next opponent will be Framingham State University on Thursday night at 7pm in the Muldoon Gymnasium. Emmanuel will host the University of Saint Joseph on Tuesday night, beginning at 7 pm.  Head Coach Andy Yosinoff will be honored for his 700th career win prior to tip-off.

*Release courtesy of Rivier University Sports Information Dept.