Nashua, NH – Rivier College fell to non-conference opponent Regis College tonight on women's college basketball action. A poor shooting night accompanied by 26 turnovers had the Raiders trailing from start to finish as Regis picked up the win 71-48. The Raiders went just 1-19 from the three point line on the night and shot just 25% from the floor while Regis went 4-17 from three land and shot 36% from the floor.
In the first half, the Pride jumped out to a 17-6 advantage after pressing and trapping the Raiders to create a number of turnovers and rushed shots. Regis was also outrebounding Rivier on both ends of the floor, getting a ton of second chance opportunities and getting themselves to the foul line. However, missed field goals and foul shots by the Pride helped keep the Raiders within striking distance for most of the half.
With just over 5 minutes to play in the half, Teresa Busiek (Arlington, MA) tried to push the Pride ahead with a three pointer, but the Raiders would not go quietly, forcing 3 turnovers in the last 2 minutes of the half and pulling within 7 points at 28-21 before Pride forward Meaghan Troiano (Norwood, MA) made a short jumper at the buzzer to give Regis a 9 point advantage going into the locker room, 30-21. In the half the Raiders went 0-5 from the three point line while the Pride could only go 2-11. The shooting at both end was less than what each team expected, with neither team being over 34% from the floor. Both teams were also 50% or below from the free throw line.
The second half opened with Regis adding to their lead, going on an 11-6 run in the first five minutes, continuing to push the ball on offense and trap on defense. A three pointer by Lauren Kimble (Orinda, CA) put Regis up 51-33 with 11:10 remaining in the game, the Pride's largest lead of the game to that point.
Rivier's Erin Sweeney (Chicopee, MA) came right back down the floor and picked up the foul call on a three point shot, converting on 2 of 3 to give the Raiders a small boost. However, the Pride ended up being too much for the Raiders to handle, matching every point and getting themselves quick transition baskets and lay-ups after breaking through the Rivier full court defense.
Stephanie Crawford (Rockland, MA) led the Pride offense with 13 points, 7 of which came from the foul line, and added 8 rebounds and 3 assists on the night. Sarah McNult (Hampstead, NH) chipped in with 12 points and a game high 14 rebounds, with 11 of those being on the offensive end of the floor. Regis improves to 3-2 on the season and will take on Newbury College next on Dec. 4th at 1:00 PM.