Bulldogs advance to semi-finals on clutch Fortuny free-throws

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The number-seven seeded Bryant University women's basketball team defeated number-two seeded St. Francis Brooklyn 65-63 behind three clutch free throws from Mariona Planes Fortuny with 1.8 seconds left in the game.

With one-minute remaining, Fatou Jallow got fouled while shooting a three. Jallow sank all three to tie the game at 62. SFC was then fouled with two seconds, and the Terriers player made one of two free throws.

The Bulldogs then ran an inbounds play, in which Fortuny received the ball, shot the ball from the wing, and got awarded three free throws, which she sank to win the game.

Nicole Gallagher led the team with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Fortuny posted 17 points, and Brooke Bjelko recorded 14 points.

 Bryant (9-21, 7-12) St. Francis Brooklyn (17-10, 13-5)
Location: Daniel Lynch Gymnasium (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Key Moment

• The Bulldogs went on a 17-5 run in the game's final five minutes to win 65-63.

 How it Happened

• The first quarter was back and forth, with Bryant earning a slight 13-10 edge. Gallagher had seven, Bjelko posted four, and Jallow recorded two.
• The Black and Gold got out to a 24-16 lead before the second-quarter media timeout. Fortuny had four, Gallagher nailed a three, Bjelko and Lucie Castagne had two each. The Bulldogs forced three turnovers during the stretch.
• SFC responded with a 10-2 run to close the half, tying the game at 26.
• The third quarter was another close affair, with the Terriers outscoring Bryant 22-19, resulting in a 48-45 deficit heading into the final period. Gallagher tallied six, Bjelko posted five, Castagne and Kemari Reynolds posted two.
• The Terriers increased their lead up to nine with 5:44 left (57-48), and then the Bulldogs outscored SFC 17-4 to win the game 65-65.

Stats

• Gallagher scored 19 points and hit three triples.
• She also added 12 rebounds.
• Fortuny recorded 17 points and seven rebounds.
• Bjelko had 14 points and eight boards.
• Bryant shot 41% from the field and 21% from three.
• The Bulldogs went 14-16 (87.5%) from the line.
• The Black and Gold outrebounded SFC 41-25.

 Notes

• Bryant picked up their first playoff win since 2016.
• Gallagher recorded the third double-double of her career.

 Next Up

• The Bulldogs will play Fairleigh Dickinson in the semi-finals on Thursday.