FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2007

Rhode Island College Women’s Basketball Score Report

Westfield, Mass.

1

2

Final

Rhode Island College (6-4)

21

41

62

Westfield State (3-6)

27

29

56

LATE GAME RUN LEADS RIC PAST OWLS, 62-56
Heard Posts 17 points and Nine Boards in Win

            Westfield, MA— Rhode Island College went on a 13-2 run in the final three minutes, including an 8-0 margin in the final 47 seconds, to defeat Westfield State, 62-56, in a non-conference women’s basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 15. RIC ups its record to 6-4, while the loss drops Westfield State to 3-6.

In a game that featured 11 lead changes and 11 ties, the Owls took a 56-54 lead on a layup by Andrea Wasuk with 1:36 remaining. Westfield then made a defensive stop and had an opportunity to increase its margin, but Betty Dely’s three-point attempt from the right wing popped out of the basket.

RIC tied the score on a drive by senior point guard Sarah Coughlin (North Attleboro, MA) at the 47-second mark. After a Westfield turnover, RIC took the lead for good, 58-56, on a bucket by sophomore forward Jenn Knott (Narragansett, RI) off an inbounds play.

RIC senior forward Sherri Heard (Coventry, RI) then stole the ball and was fouled. She made the first free throw and missed the second, but the visitors grabbed the rebound. Heard was intentionally fouled and canned another free throw with seven seconds remaining for a 60-56 lead.

RIC led early in the game, 11-6, but Westfield played well defensively and took a 27-21 halftime lead. The Owls went cold at the outset of the second half and scored their first basket on a jumper by reserve guard Mary Mueller that gave them a 31-29 lead with 13:41 remaining.

RIC led 40-35 at the 10-minute mark, but sparked by Lauren Sylvain (two three-pointers), eight points from Dely, and a 3-pointer by reserve guard Krista Corriveau, the Owls led by five, 54-49, with 3:01 remaining.

Heard led RIC’s balanced attack with 17 points and nine rebounds. Coughlin scored 12 points, while Knott and junior guard Tyla Martin (Cumberland, RI) chipped in with 10 apiece.

Wasuk tied for game-high honors with 17 points. Sophomore forward Molly Brogan tallied 10 points. Westfield shot 40 percent from the field but committed 25 turnovers. RIC was 19-for-28 from the foul line, Westfield was 7-for-13.

Rhode Island College is off for finals and the holidays. The Anchorwomen will get back into action on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at Roger Williams.

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