Box Score
NEW YORK, N.Y. – In the first-ever meeting between Albright (0-1) and Bridgewater State University (Mass.), the Bears (1-0) recorded their first win of the year with an 81-74 non-conference decision Friday evening as part of the Hunter College Tip-Off Tournament.
With the exception of Ciara Shaughnessy's five points, the Bears starting five were responsible for the other 76. A trio of players scored a team-high 16 points, while Megan Boutilette and Jenna Williamson each put up 14. Boutilette had Bridgewaters' only double-double as she pulled down 11 boards.
The Lady Lions saw senior
MariLynn McMonagle take over on the offensive side of the ball scoring a career-best 22 points on 9-of-19 shooting from the field, which included two 3-pointers, and 2-of-4 shooting from the line. Her 11 rebounds was also a career best and marked the first time in her career McMonagle posted a double-double.
Also managing a double-double against the Bears was freshman
Meghan Boyle. The 6'0” newcomer put up 14 points and recorded 11 rebounds in her collegiate debut. Senior
Jessica McGinness totaled 11 points and
Rose Williamson added 10 of her own to close out Albright's top scorers. Senior guard
Rory Yerkes added six assists along with McGinness.
Proving to be the deciding factor in Friday's tough loss to the Bears, were the Lions 21 turnovers. Bridgewater took advantage of those opportunities scoring 21 of their 81 points off the Lady Lions turnovers. Bridgewater was charged with just 14 turnovers, and had only nine steals.
Throughout the contest, the two teams went back-and-forth. After falling into an early hole, the Lady Lions clawed their way back to take over on the scoreboard at the midway point of the opening half. Bridgewater ended the first half with just a one point lead after scoring back-to-back three's to make it 33-32.
In the second half, Bridgewater jumped out to an early seven point lead, but it did not last as the Lady Lions quickly tied the game at 44-44 seven minutes in. From there the two would exchange control of the lead until the nine minute mark. Using another quick run, Bridgewater was able to jump back out to their biggest lead of the night (60-52).
They then extended their lead to double-figures with six minutes left to play. Even with the late run by the Bears, Albright quickly chipped away at Bridgewater's lead. Unfortunately their efforts were not enough, as the Bears held on in the end to advance to the championship game of the Hunter College Tip-Off tournament. The Bears will now face the host Hawks of Hunter College at 3 p.m. tomorrow afternoon.
Women's basketball returns to action tomorrow at 1 p.m. when they take on New Jersey City University in the consolation game.
