HARTFORD, Conn. — The Roger Williams University Women's Basketball team earned a thrilling Conference of New England (CNE) victory on Tuesday evening, defeating Hartford, 68–63, in overtime at Chase Arena. The Hawks used a strong defensive finish and a decisive extra period to improve to 11–6 overall and 7–1 in CNE play.
Roger Williams set the tone early, shooting 61.5 percent from the field in the opening quarter to build a 19–13 advantage. Hartford responded with a strong second quarter, outscoring RWU 22–13 behind efficient perimeter shooting to take a 35–32 lead into halftime. The two teams traded momentum in the third, with Hartford maintaining a narrow edge before the Hawks clamped down defensively in the fourth.
RWU held Hartford to just seven points on 2-of-10 shooting in the final quarter, where in the final seconds Sophia Coppola (Madison, Conn.) downed a three-pointer forcing overtime tied at 58–58. In the extra session, the Hawks shot 75.0 percent from the field and outscored Hartford 10–5, limiting Hartford to 1-of-9 shooting while converting key free throws to seal the road win.
Coppola led all scorers with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting night, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, while adding seven rebounds, three blocks, and three steals in 38 minutes. Chloe Richardson (Norwell, Mass.) finished with 11 points, four assists, a block, and a steal, while Ava Azzaro (North Hampton, Mass.) provided a strong lift off the bench with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line.
Roger Williams finished the game shooting 44.8 percent from the floor and held a 40–35 rebounding advantage, including 16 offensive boards that led to 10 second-chance points.
Hartford was led by Ava Naszimento with 18 points and five rebounds, while Ella Marchesani added 15 points going 5-for-5 on free throws. Roger held Hartford to 36.4 percent shooting overall.
Roger Williams (11-6, 7-1 CNE) will look to carry its momentum forward as it continues conference play and hosts Western New England on Saturday, Jan. 24 in the Campus Recreation Center. University of Hartford (9-8, 6-2 CNE) will regroup as they head to Wentworth on Saturday, Jan. 24.
