Posted: Feb 23, 2021
Wagner up next for Bulldogs
Bryant
(7-10,5-8 NEC)
49
Wagner
(8-5,8-4 NEC)
43
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bryant (7-10,5-8 NEC) | 11 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 49 |
|
Wagner (8-5,8-4 NEC) | 11 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 43 |
Bryant
(6-10,4-8 NEC)
64
Wagner
(8-4,8-3 NEC)
72
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bryant (6-10,4-8 NEC) | 19 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 64 |
|
Wagner (8-4,8-3 NEC) | 20 | 18 | 16 | 18 | 72 |
SMITHFIELD, R.I. - The Bryant University women's basketball team is back in action for a midweek series at Wagner on Wednesday, Feb. 24 and Thursday, Feb. 25. Both games are set for a 4 p.m. tip and will be aired on NEC Front Row.
GAME INFORMATION
Opponent: Wagner
Location: Spiro Sports Center (Staten Island, N.Y.)
Game Time: 4 p.m.
Watch Live: NEC Front Row | Game one - Game two
Live Stats: Sidearm Stats
Game Notes: Game 16/17 - Wagner
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #AllHeart | #AllHustle | #NECWBB
THE MATCHUP
Bryant travels to Staten Island for a midweek series at Wagner beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 24. The second game will take place the following day on Thursday, Feb. 25. Both games are set for a 4 p.m. tip.
A year ago, the two teams split when they met during the conference slate. Wagner's defense held the Bulldogs to just 45 points in a 58-45 defeat in Smithfield. The Seahawks held Bryant's starting five to just 22 combined points and a 24.5 team FG percentage. The Bulldogs bounced back in game two, 65-53, in the Empire State. Bryant improved its shooting percentage to 46.9% led by Brooke Bjelko with 19 points shooting seven-of-11 from the field. The Bulldogs hold a perfect undefeated mark in the Spiro Sports Center, 9-0, all-time.
SCOUTING THE SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks are coming off a two-game losing streak after getting swept by Fairleigh Dickinson. The First Team All-NEC selection from a year ago, Emilija Krista Grava, led Wagner in both outings with a combined 28 points. She currently leads the team with 13.5 points per game. Krista Grava is also second in the NEC with a 47.1 FG percentage.
The Seahawks are coming off a two-game losing streak after getting swept by Fairleigh Dickinson. The First Team All-NEC selection from a year ago, Emilija Krista Grava, led Wagner in both outings with a combined 28 points. She currently leads the team with 13.5 points per game. Krista Grava is also second in the NEC with a 47.1 FG percentage.
Wagner prides itself in its hardnose defense as they lead the NEC in both field goal (38.2%) and three-point percentage defense (27.5%). They also force the most turnovers in the conference forcing an average of 19.73 a night. However, the Seahawks struggle on the offensive side of the floor where they are last in the conference averaging just 56.7 points per game.
LAST TIME OUT: MOUNT ST. MARY'S
Mount St. Mary's swept the Bulldogs over the weekend with convincing back-to-back 38-point wins. Freshman Mariona Planes Fortuny broke out for the Black and Gold in game one as she was the lone double-figure scorer with 13 points in just 14 minutes of play. In game two, it was Bjelko who led the offense with 17 points.
The ball didn't bounce Bryant's way in either game of the series as the Bulldogs tallied 20+ turnovers, shot under 40%, and were outrebounded in both games.
SPANISH BULL
Freshman Mariona Planes Fortuny has seen an increase in playing time. The rookie tallied double-digit minutes in the last five games and averages 7.2 points in those last five outings. At Mount St. Mary's Fortuny was Bryant's top scorer and most efficient scorer with a career-high of 13 points in just 14 minutes of play. She also posted five blocks, which ties her for second in Bryant's D1 single-game record book against Sacred Heart where she also added eight points. The Bellpuig, Spain native leads the team at the foul line with a perfect 14-for-14 mark.
MAY THE ODDS BE IN YOUR FAVOR
The Bulldogs are 4-0 when they score 70+ points and are 4-0 when they lead at halftime. Bryant also proves to have its best chance at winning when shooting between 40-49% from the field, as they are 5-2 when they achieve the FG percentage compared to the 1-7 mark when shooting under 40%. Lastly, dominating the boards will continue to lead Bryant to success as all six wins came when the Bulldogs outrebounded their opponent. The Black and Gold dropped all five games where they were outrebounded and fell to Sacred Heart when both teams pulled down 40 rebounds each.