Saturday, November 07, 2009

Box Score

BRYANT COMES FROM BEHIND TO PICK UP EXHIBITION WIN AGAINST ASSUMPTION, 67-56

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - After being down 26-19 at the half, the Bryant University women's basketball team came from behind to defeat Assumption College by a score of 67-56. The Bulldogs comeback was led by 16 second half points from senior captain Kristin Mraz (Johnstown, N.Y).

The Bulldogs, who will play a full Northeast Conference schedule this season and 15 home games, kicked off their second season at the division 1 level with the win. After shooting a dismal 20.6% in the first half, the team found their stroke as they posted a 57.1% shooting percentage in the second period. The Bulldogs were led by Mraz's 18 total points. The senior point guard hit three shots from beyond the arc, registered three assists and two steals on the night.

Assumption College, affiliated with the Northeast-10 conference, had a nine point advantage at the half before the Bulldogs mount their comeback just minutes into the second period. Bryant went on a 16-9 run to begin the second stage and was able to knot things up at 35 apiece just five minutes into the half. Within the next five minutes there were five lead changes and two ties before the Bulldogs were able to take control. In the last 10 minutes of the game, Bryant never surrendered the lead and outscored their opponent 22-13 to earn the exhibition win.

To go along with Mraz, senior captain Kelsey O'Keefe (Warren, Mass.) scored 13 points, pulled down six rebounds and had three assists. Junior Siamone Bennett (Newburgh, N.Y.) played tough down low and recorded 11 points to go along with her team-high 7 boards. Junior guard Lindsey Hudspeth (Mount Laurel, N.J.) hit two key three pointers en route to her eight point night.

The Greyhounds were led by senior forward Kayla Parker who went 6-8 from the field for 14 points. Junior Molly Griffiths pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.

Bryant's 2009-10 regular season gets underway at Ivy League affiliate Dartmouth College on Saturday, Nov. 14 when they face off with the Big Green. The Bulldogs will return home on Wednesday, Nov. 18 when they host Holy Cross at 7 p.m. in the Chace Athletic Center.