December 29, 2009

Box Score

BRYANT DROPS FINAL GAME OF FIU SUN & FUN CLASSIC, 68-48, TO HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

MIAMI - After being down just five points at the half, the Bryant University women's basketball team was outplayed in the second period as Hampton University used two big runs to cruise to a 20 point victory in the consolation game of the 25th FIU Sun & Fun Classic on Tuesday afternoon in Miami, Fla.

Bryant (3-9) senior Kelsey O'Keefe (Warren, Mass) was the only Bulldog in double figures as she recorded her second double-double of the season and 26th of her career scoring 12 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in the Bulldog loss. After the conclusion of the championship game, O'Keefe was named to the all-tournament team averaging 19.5 points in the classic.

Hampton (4-8) had three players in double figures as Lady Pirate guard Whitney Hill scored 22 points, 17 of which were in the second half. Hill was 8-12 from the floor and 6-8 from the free-throw line. The outside shooting Jerika Jenkins also knocked down five three-pointers en route to her 17 point performance.

After a slow start, the Bulldogs found themselves down nine points early but were able to rally back to within five at the end of the first twenty minutes. Bryant received points from eight different players in the first half, led by senior captain O'Keefe. She had six points and added five first-half rebounds. Hampton's Jenkins led the way for the Lady Pirates as she poured in four first-half three-point-shots.

Hampton opened the second half with a 17-2 run over a six minute span to set the tone early in the period. The Lady Pirates also went on a 10-0 run later in the half to ensure the twenty point victory.

The Bulldogs committed 12 second-half turnovers and shot only 31 percent in the loss.

Bryant will return to action on Thursday, January 7 in New Jersey when the Dogs travel to the Garden State for a long weekend with two Northeast Conference Matchups. The Bulldogs will first take on Fairleigh Dickinson on Thursday at 5 p.m. before traveling to Monmouth University to face the Hawks on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 3 p.m.