Bryant tops Bridgeport 85-44 in exhibition

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL DEFEATS BRIDGEPORT IN FINAL EXHIBITION CONTEST

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – In the final warm-up before its season opener, the Bryant University women's basketball team defeated the University of Bridgeport, 85-44, Friday night at the Chace Athletic Center.

The Bulldogs, who enter their first season of full-Division I eligibility this year, put up 45 and 40 points in each half, respectively, en route to a 41-point victory over the visiting Purple Knights.

Senior Katie Whittington (Twinsburg, Ohio) led Bryant with 14 points, three rebounds and three asists in 16 minutes. Junior Courtney Schissler (Brandford, Conn.) added 13 points on 5 of 7 shooting, while classmate Jenniqua Bailey (Bloomfield, Conn.) chipped in 12 points, four assists and four steals off the bench.

Junior Naana Ankoma-Mensa (Brampton, Ontario) led the Bulldogs with nine rebounds, adding 12 points in just 22 minutes of play, with classmate Stephanie Cardamone (Freehold, N.J.) adding ten points on a perfect 3-3 from the field.

Aziza Patterson led all scorers with 16 points for the Purple Knights, while Priscilla Dodoo earned herself a double-double, registering 14 points and 10 boards.

The Black and Gold held the visitors to just under 20 percent shooting from the field while forcing 16 turnovers in an up-and-down contest. The Bulldogs dominated the paint throughout the night registering 44 of their 85 points in the lane.

Bryant will have a week to prepare for its season opener on Saturday, Nov. 10, when they welcome Dartmouth College to Smithfield. The Bulldogs, who have increased their win total each season over the four-year reclassification period, will look to take a step toward their goal of a postseason berth Saturday against the Big Green.

For links to live stats and streaming video of Saturday's action and all the latest on Bryant University women's basketball, visit BryantBulldogs.com.