Bjelko powers Bryant past CCSU in NEC opener

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Brooke Bjelko of the Bryant University women's basketball team recorded her 17th career double-double and fourth of the season with 19 points and 16 rebounds in the 60-53 home victory over Northeast Conference foe Central Connecticut. 

Fatou Jallow scored a season-high 13 points, and Alana Perkins tallied 11.

The Particulars
Bryant (3-9, 1-0) CCSU (2-8, 1-0)
Location: Chace Athletic Center (Smithfield, R.I.)

 Key Moment

• The Bulldogs outscored the Blue Devils 22-10 in the second quarter to earn a double-digit halftime lead.

 How it Happened

• The Blue Devils came out swinging, jumping out to an 8-2 lead in the first four minutes of the opening quarter. The Bulldogs outscored CCSU 16-9 in the remainder of the first quarter to take a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter (18-17). Bjelko dominated the quarter scoring eleven alongside Juliette Golden, Jallow, and Blanca Chasco, who posted four, two, and one.
• Bryant then clamped down defensively and held the Blue Devils to four points in the first seven minutes of the second quarter, forcing a CCSU timeout. During that stretch, the Bulldogs scored 16 points to earn a 34-21 lead with three minutes remaining. Bjelko tallied six, Gallagher tallied four, Jallow recorded four, and Marta Neira Martinez posted two points.
• The remainder of the second period was neck and neck as CCSU earned the slight 8-6 edge, resulting in a 40-29 halftime lead for the Black and Gold. Jallow and Gallagher each scored three before the end of the half. Bjelko scored 17 in the first half.
• The third quarter was a close affair as both teams registered 10 points. This gave the Bulldogs a 51-39 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Perkins hit three triples in the quarter, and Jallow posted two points.
• The first two minutes of the final quarter were a defensive battle as both teams didn't register a point. Megan Bodziony broke the scoreless stretch with a fastbreak layup. The Bulldogs defense held strong in the remainder of the game, holding CCSU to 14 points and scoring seven of their own. This resulted in a 60-53 victory for the Black and Gold.
• Bjelko, Perkins, and Jallow recorded two points. Shannon O'Connor tallied one.

 Stats

• Bjelko recorded 19 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks.
• Jallow had 13 points and two assists.
• Perkins tallied 11 points.
• The Bulldogs shot 36% from the field and 25% from deep.
• Bryant outrebounded CCSU 52-35.

 Notes

• Bjelko moves into eighth place on the all-time DI scoring list with 925 points. She is also 77 rebounds away from 700, which would place her 4th all-time in DI program history.
• Jallow recorded her first double-figure scoring game of the season.
• The Bulldogs have now outrebounded an opponent in seven of 12 games played.
• Bryant moves to 16-11 all-time against CCSU.

 Next Up

The Black and Gold will travel to Sacred Heart to face the Pioneers at two O'clock on New Year's Eve.