Women’s Basketball presses past Wentworth with late rally

Box Score BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Women's Basketball team posted a late comeback over Wentworth Institute of Technology, taking the lead in the final minute to earn a 59-55 win Saturday evening over the Leopards.

Roger Williams overcame one of its worst shooting performances of the season to escape with the win. The Hawks opened the game missing their first ten shots and only shot 25.0 percent in the game, including a dismal 4-of-26 (15.4%) in the second half.

However, the Hawks benefitted from a season high 26 made free throws to climb their way back in the game.

Wentworth was similarly hampered by lackluster shooting early on, as the Leopards converted on only six of their 30 attempts in the first period.

Wentworth had a nine-point lead in the second half, but was unable to hold on for the win. The Leopards were doomed by failed attempts at breaking RWU's full-court press in the final minute, committing a pair of costly turnovers that led to Hawk opportunities to get back in the game.

Leading 54-51 1:51 to play and possession of the ball, Wentworth turned the ball over under RWU's basket due to the Hawks' pressure with their full court press. Though RWU would not score on the possession, Wentworth missed a pair of free throws on its following possession to keep it a one-score game.

With under a minute to play, the Hawks got two open three-point looks but were unable to sink them, with Wentworth securing the rebound with 32 seconds left. On the inbound, the Hawks again unleashed the press and the Leopards once again turned the ball over, giving RWU.

On the inbound, Angelica Ariola (Prospect, Conn.) got the ball and attempted to put up a three with 26 seconds, but would be fouled, giving her a chance to tie the game. She would go 2-of-3 at the line to get within one.

A third consecutive Leopards turnover on the inbound gave the Hawks the chance to take the lead, which Rachel Battista was able to do on a three-point play off the inbound pass, putting RWU up 56-54 with 23 seconds left. Roger Williams would sink three of its final four free throws to escape with the win.

Ariola led RWU with 14 points and four assists, while Battista and Katie Lowerre (Sharon, Mass.) each finished with 13 points and five rebounds. Bridget Quilty (Duxbury, Mass.) went for nine points and nine rebounds.

Carly Rogers (Scarborough, Maine) and Riselly Deoleo (Manchester, N.H.) each led the Leopards with 17 points, with Rogers added eight rebounds, and Deoleo seven. Rachael Camara (Fall River, Mass.) added 13 points and seven boards.

On Tuesday, Roger Williams (8-5, 5-1 CCC) travels to Curry, while Wentworth (3-9, 1-4 CCC) hosts Western New England.

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