Statistics

BRISTOL, R.I. – Roger Williams University turned in a fast start and finished strong in the fourth quarter to defeat the University of New England women's basketball team, 64-52, in Saturday afternoon's Conference of New England matchup at RWU's Student Recreation Center.
 
The Nor'easters battled back from a 16-point second-quarter deficit, eventually tying the game at 38-38 late in the third, but a 9-1 run by the Hawks that bridged the end of the third and the beginning of the fourth proved to be the backbreaker.
 
Chloe Richardson was the game's leading scorer with 16 points for the Hawks (5-4, 2-1), who clung to a slim 44-41 lead entering the fourth quarter, but went 12-for-13 from the free throw line during the final frame to help secure the victory. RWU went 24-for-28 at the line on the afternoon, while UNE (3-6, 1-1) was just 10-for-17. That success at the free throw line, along a 50-36 advantage on the glass, helped the Hawks overcome a 2-for-14 showing from deep. Richardson was responsible for RWU's only triples of the game and was a perfect 8-for-8 at the charity stripe.
 
Two from RWU were key in the rebounding margin, and both earned double-doubles – Meg Qualey went for 13 points and 10 boards, and Sophia Coppola scored 10 and pulled down 11 rebounds. Sydney Jenisch and Gabby Soter paced UNE with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
 
UNE was able to warm up after a cold first quarter, where it was 2-for-13 from the field, but still finished the game below 30 percent (19-for-64). RWU was slightly better, 19-for-57.
 
The Nor'easters are idle until Saturday, Dec. 20, when they head to Florida for a two-game slate in the Daytona Beach Shootout. Their first opponent (Saturday) will be No. 8 Washington & Lee (Va.), and on Sunday, they'll face Buena Vista (Iowa). Both games will be in the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.