Rams Red Hot Early, Defeat Women's Hoops In GNAC Opener

BOSTON, Mass.— The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) women's basketball team dropped its Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) road opener to Suffolk University, 89-32, inside Bobbi Brown & Steven Plofker Gym, on the campus of Emerson College Saturday afternoon.

A trio of Rams took over from the get-go, as sophomore forward Emily Welling (Warwick, N.Y.), senior guard Alexis Hackett (Charlton, Mass.) and junior guard Gabriella DeComo (Portsmouth, R.I.) each scored 11 of their game-high 15 points in the first half. Freshman guard Tiana Asberry (East Hartford, Conn.) led the way for the Blue Jays with 10, the only one in double figures for the visitors.

The Rams took a 23-10 lead after one, and quickly put the game away, leading by double digits the rest of the way.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Saint Joseph 32, Suffolk 89
Records: USJ (8-5, 0-1 GNAC), SU (9-4, 1-0 GNAC)
Location: Bobbi Brown & Steven Plofker Gym | Emerson College | Boston, Mass.  

KEY MOMENTS

• The Blue Jays scored the first two baskets of the game on back-to-back layups from sophomore forward Deanna De La Cruz (Winsted, Conn.). The Rams responded with a 19-0 run to take a 15 point lead with 1:41 left in the first.
• After leading 23-10 after one, SU put up another 15-point run, this time a 15-2 run to make it 38-12 with 4:19 left in the first half. The Blue Jays never recovered.

NUMBER TO KNOW

16 – The Blue Jays had 16 first-half turnovers, which the Rams were able to convert into several scoring opportunities.

NOTES

• The Rams had the advantage in points off turnovers (36-4), points in the paint (40-20), fastbreak points (16-0), and bench points (36-5).
• Suffolk has won eight of its last nine games.
• Saint Joseph continued to play despite the score, winning the rebound margin, 44-37. They also had the advantage in second-chance points, 9-6.

UP NEXT
The Blue Jays continue their three-game road trip with a visit to Coast Guard on Monday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Follow USJ Athletics
For the latest on University of Saint Joseph athletics, follow the Blue Jays on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Fans can also download the USJ Front Row Mobile App and subscribe to our Newsletter and Text Alerts. #FearTheFlock #GoBlueJays