Gallagher's clutch 3 and Fortuny's 31 points lift Dawgs over SHU

FAIRFIELD, CONN. – Nicole Gallagher came up clutch for the Bryant University women's basketball team during the 67-56 defeat of Sacred Heart as she nailed a wing three as the Pioneers got the lead down to three with 2:20 remaining in the game.

Mariona Planes Fortuny dominated and recorded her second 30+ point game of the season with 31 points to go along with seven rebounds.

Gallagher scored 12 points, going 4-6 from deep.

Game Information
Bryant 67, SHU 56
Records: Bryant 4-6 | SHU 1-8
Location: William H. Pittman Center (Fairfield, Conn.)

Key Moment

• Gallagher hit a three right after SHU got the lead down to three with 2:20 left in the fourth quarter.

How it Happened

• Both teams started the game trading baskets, with the Bulldogs earning the slight 9-7 edge at the media timeout. Gallagher cashed in on a corner three, and Megan Bodziony, Marta Neira Martinez, and Fortuny recorded two points.
• Bryant outdueled SHU 9-6 to end the quarter, earning an 18-13 lead. Fortuny tallied four, Gallagher nailed her second three, and Kemari Reynolds beat the buzzer on a nice finger roll.
• The Pioneers came out on fire in the second quarter outscoring Bryant 12-3 to gain a 25-21 lead at the media timeout. Fortuny scored all three points for the Dawgs.
• Fortuny (5) and Martinez (3) kept the Bulldogs close totaling eight points, compared to SHU's six, making the deficit two at the half (31-29).
• The Bulldogs came out on a 5-4 run to begin the second half, registering a 36-33 lead and forcing a SHU timeout. Gallagher hit her third triple of the game, and Fortuny scored inside.
• Bryant's defense held firm into the third quarter media timeout, holding the Pioneers to two points and recording five (41-35). Fortuny recorded a tough and-one, and Martinez went 2-2 from the line.
• Both teams' offenses clicked for the remainder of the third quarter, scoring ten points each. This resulted in a 51-45 Bulldog lead heading into the fourth quarter. Fortuny posted six, Bodziony hit two from the line, and Castagne made a turnaround to beat the buzzer.
• The Bulldog's defense held firm again, holding the Pioneers scoreless and tallying four at the 6:40 make of the fourth. (55-45).
• SHU went on a 9-2 run to get the Bryant lead down to three (57-54). The Bulldogs then went down the court quickly and found Gallagher alone on the wing for three to increase the lead to six with 2:20 remaining (60-54).
• The Black and Gold finished the game outscoring SHU 7-2, earning the 67-56 victory.

 Stats

• Bryant shot 44.2% from the field, 33.3% from deep, and 80% from the free-throw line.
• Fortuny posted 31 points, seven boards, and two blocks. She shot 11-17 from the floor and 8-10 from the charity stripe.
• Gallagher hit four triples.
• Martinez scored ten points and went 6-8 from the FT line.
• Fortuny drew ten fouls in the game.

 Notes

• Fortuny recorded her second 30+ point performance of the season and has recorded seven double-digit performances.
• Gallagher hit a season-high four three-pointers. She has converted at least 3+ triples in three games this year.
• Bryant made a season-high 16 free throws.

Next Up

The Bulldogs will return to Smithfield and face Stonehill on Sunday.