UNH visits Smithfield on Friday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's basketball team remains in Smithfield when they welcome New Hampshire to the Chace Athletic Center on Friday, November 27 at 2 p.m.

THE PARTICULARS
Opponent: New Hampshire
Location: Chace Athletic Center (Smithfield, R.I.)
Game Time: 2:00 p.m.
Live Stats: Sidearm Stats
Watch Live: NEC Front Row
Game Notes: Game 2 – New Hampshire
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #AllHeart | #AllHustle | #NECWBB

THE MATCHUP

After an 82-54 loss against UMass to open the season, the Bulldogs are back in action after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 27 at 2 pm against New Hampshire. The two teams are no stranger to one another as Friday marks the seventh-straight year that the teams will meet. Last season UNH took the game, 68-56, in Bryant's home opener. The Bulldogs were led by Bryant alum Stephanie Lesko who netted 13 points coming off the bench. For the returners, Brooke Bjelko added 10 points and five rebounds while Nicole Gallagher contributed six points and four assists.

The all-time series is tied at four apiece as Bryant took the first four meetings and UNH took the last four.

LAST TIME OUT: UMASS

Bryant opened the season in Smithfield against UMass but the Bulldogs, unfortunately, fell, 82-54, to start 2020-21. The Minutewomen capitalized Bryant's 24 turnovers and couldn't miss from the field posting a 47.8 field goal percentage and 53.3 three-point percentage.  

Sophomore Alana Perkins led the Bulldogs in scoring with 12 points, but it was Brooke Bjelko with the double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. Junior transfer Fatou Jallow debuted in the Black and Gold in the starting lineup and posted double-digit scoring of 10 points. Redshirt freshman Shannon O'Connor also earned her way back into the starting lineup and contributed seven points and a team-high four steals.

SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
New Hampshire opened their season with an 80-44 loss at Boston College. The Wildcats were led by sophomore Helena Delaruelle with 12 points and senior guard Amanda Torres with 10. Last season against the Bulldogs, the duo combined for 16 points as they posted similar stat lines. New Hampshire struggled to put the ball in the basket from the field shooting 16-for-60 and two-for-16 from three.

ALANA PERKINS FOR THREE
Sophomore Alana Perkins led Bryant in its season opener against UMass with 12 points off the bench. Perkins netted two threes and aided in Bryant's biggest run of the game (16-2) in the fourth quarter. The sophomore shot two-of-five from three point range and also added one assist and two rebounds.

TRADED IN THE REDSHIRT
Redshirt freshman Shannon O'Connor is back and put on a solid performance to open the season. O'Connor was a force on the defensive end with a team-high four steals and also netted seven points. Despite being listed as a guard, O'Connor was showcased as a forward in the four-spot for the majority of the game as her 5-11 height diversifies her into more positions. 

SENIOR SZN
Brooke  Bjelko opened her senior season with a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. Her rebound mark was one shy of her career-best of 14 that she tallied a year ago. Bjelko was Bryant's second-leading scorer of the game and also posted the lone block for the Black and Gold. 

NIKKI G
Gallagher opened up the season by maintaining her spot in the starting lineup. The now-sophomore posted seven points shooting 1-of-3 from the three-point line and netting a perfect four-for-four from the stripe. Gallagher also led the Bulldogs in assists with three.