BROCKPORT, NY - The Brockport Women's Basketball team secured its third straight home win, defeating RIT, 65-61, on Tuesday, December 2nd. The Golden Eagles improve to 4-3 overall and 3-0 on home court following the victory. Brockport's win marked the first time the program has defeated RIT in back-to-back seasons since 2000-02.
Stephanie Jean-Baptiste provided an excellent all-around performance, scoring a game-high 22 points, three steals, and eight rebounds to lead Brockport to the regional win. SJB has posted 20+ points and eight rebounds or better in each of her last three games.
RIT came out hot in the first quarter, holding Brockport to just four points in the first 10 minutes (2-20 FG).
Addy VanDewater would give Brockport much-needed momentum, cutting the Tiger lead to eight entering the second quarter (12-4). VanDewater would give Brockport seven points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Green and Gold would catch fire from beyond the arc, drilling five threes on over 62% shooting from long range (5-8). Six straight
Brianna Carey points to open the quarter would set the stage for a 24-point outburst in the second, bringing Brockport within two entering halftime. Carey was excellent from the free-throw line, going 7-7 with 12 points on the evening.
Despite trailing by as many as seven points in the third,
Claire Turner would add a crucial bucket late to bring Brockport within one entering the final ten minutes. Turner finished with a team-high nine rebounds, adding seven points and a game-high three blocks in a strong outing.
Down five in the fourth,
Jackie Kozakiewicz provided a spark off the bench at the eight-minute mark. She would rattle off five straight points, including a three-pointer to tie the game at 52-52.
Mandy Brink's clutch three-pointer with 1:22 left and
Peyton Maneri's late free throws sealed the deal for Brockport.
Despite shooting only 29.3% from the floor, nine made three pointers (9-25), and 14 forced turnovers would swing the back-and-forth battle to Brockport.
Up Next: Brockport will head to #7-ranked John Carroll University in Ohio on Friday, December 5th, at 5 PM.
