Four Bulldogs hit double figures in win vs Merrimack

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Four members of the Bryant University women's basketball team reached double figures in the 73-67 win against Merrimack this evening at the Chace Athletic Center.

Brooke Bjelko led the way with 17 points, Alana Perkins returned to the lineup and dropped 15 on five three-pointers, Megan Bodziony and Mariona Planes Fortuny both scored 10.

With 21 seconds left, Lucie Castagne forced a turnover that made the Warriors intentionally foul, leaving the game out of reach and securing the victory for Bryant.

Bryant (5-13, 3-4) Merrimack (3-13, 2-5)
Location: Chace Athletic Center (Smithfield, R.I.)

 Key Moment

• The Bulldogs held Merrimack to eight points in the fourth quarter and didn't relinquish the lead after the eight-minute mark.

 How it Happened

• Merrimack took control in the first quarter outscoring the Bulldogs 23-14 and leading by as much as 13 in the period (23-14). Fatou Jallow scored the first five points of the game for the Black and Gold, Perkins knocked down two threes, Bjelko had two points, and Fortuny hit a free throw.
• Bryant closed the gap with a 6-1 run before the second-quarter media timeout (24-23). The Warriors maintained a lead heading into the second half by outscoring the Bulldogs 17-13, resulting in a 41-36 deficit for the Black and Gold at halftime. Bodziony and Perkins posted six each, Shannon O'Connor and Bjelko tallied four, and Fortuny had two.
• The third quarter was a battle as both teams recorded 18 points keeping, the deficit at five going into the final quarter (59-54). Fortuny led the way for the Bulldogs with seven points, Bjelko tallied six, Perkins had three, and Bodziony posted two.
• Nicole Gallagher started the fourth quarter in great fashion, hitting back-to-back threes, which gave the Bulldogs a one-point lead (60-59). The rest of the quarter was dominated by the Black and Gold's defense, holding Merrimack to eight points, while the Bryant offense produced eighteen. This resulted in a 73-67 victory for the Bulldogs.

 Stats

• Bjelko recorded 17 points and six rebounds.
• Perkins had 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting from deep.
• Bodziony and Fortuny both had 10 points.
• Bryant shot 41% from the field, and 61% from beyond the arc.
• The Bulldogs outrebounded Merrimack 40-36.

 Notes

• Bryant shot at least 60% from three for the second consecutive game.
• Perkins tallied five three-pointers for the second time this season.
• Bjelko led the Bulldogs in scoring for the eighth time this season.
• Bodziony recorded her second double-figure scoring game this year.

 Next Up

The Black and Gold will begin their three-game road trip on Sunday against Saint Francis Brooklyn.