SECOND HALF SURGE SENDS SAINTS PAST WILDCATS, 89-60

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A strong start to the second half propelled Emmanuel College past the Johnson & Wales University women's basketball team Thursday in GNAC action. The Saints defeated the Wildcats 89-60.

Records:
Emmanuel: 16-4, 7-0 GNAC
Johnson & Wales: 4-15, 3-3 GNAC

Statistical Leaders:
Ally Mishol (JWU): 12 points, 6 rebounds
Kayla Walsh (JWU): 16 points
Yuleska Ramirez-Tejeda (EC): 15 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists

Of Note:
Johnson & Wales grabbed a 28-26 lead at the 3:38 mark of the second quarter on back-to-back baskets by Kayla Walsh. Walsh made two free throws with five seconds left in the half to pull JWU within 37-32 going into the locker room.

Any hopes of a Wildcats' upset were dashed in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Emmanuel started the second half on a 12-2 run that was capped by a Mary McCarthy layup.

Johnson & Wales couldn't slow down the Saints on offense as the visitors shot 52.1 percent from the floor. JWU had its chance, but went 25-of-70 (35.7 percent).

Emmanuel also had a sizable rebounding advantage, 52-30, that it used for 18 second-chance points.

Coming off the bench to lead the Wildcats was Kayla Walsh with a season-high 16 points. Ally Mishol was next with 12 points.

The Saints had four players in double figures, topped by Maddie McLaughlin's game-high 19 points. Yuleska Ramirez-Tejeda had a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double.

Up Next:
The Wildcats are back at home on Saturday to face 11^th-ranked Saint Joseph's (Me.) at 11:00 AM while Emmanuel plays host to Lasell College in Boston, Mass. at 3:00 PM the same day.

*Release courtesy of JWU Athletic Communications