Women's Hoops Rely On Big Second Quarter, Tame Wildcats, 70-54

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) women's basketball team took control of an all-important Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) road matchup with a huge second quarter, and ultimately defeated Johnson & Wales University (JWU), 70-54, inside the Wildcat Center Wednesday evening. With the win, the Blue Jays pick up their fourth straight victory, their longest win streak since 2013-14 (4 straight from Jan. 25-Feb. 6), and improve to 10-6 overall and 6-3 in the GNAC. Meanwhile, JWU drops to 1-13 overall and 1-7 in conference play with the setback.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Saint Joseph 70, Johnson & Wales 54
Records: USJ 10-6 (6-3 GNAC), JWU 1-13 (1-7 GNAC)
Location: Wildcat Center | Providence, R.I.

HOW IT HAPPENED
A neck-and-neck first quarter was quickly forgotten as the Blue Jays exploded for 26 second-quarter points. Coming from all angles, Saint Joseph put points on the board early and often, creating separation from the hosts that the Wildcats would not be able to overcome. Junior point guard and captain Amanda Fudge (Middletown, Conn.) anchored the second-quarter barrage scoring 11 (4-6 FG) of her 17 points for the game in the stanza. Senior forward and captain Deanna De La Cruz (Winsted, Conn.) was also a key contributor making both of her field-goal attempts in the second quarter. The Wildcats could only muster 11 points in the period, and it was an uphill battle from there. Saint Joseph maintained a 17-point halftime edge to win by 16 by the game's end. The Blue Jays last beat the Wildcats exactly 10 years ago to date, 77-54 (January 26, 2012). Wednesday night's triumph ended the decade-long drought in nearly identical fashion, 70-54.

COACH QUOTE [Wendy Davis]
"We had such great team defense again tonight. I am so proud of this team. The second quarter we just got out and ran our break very well. We also hit key three-pointers tonight to stop some of JWU's runs."

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
Despite a game-high 21 points from JWU's sophomore center Peyton Oliver (Ramsey, N.J.), the Blue Jays kept their foot on the gas pedal as several contributors kept the visitors in the lead for nearly the entire game. Fudge finished with 17 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals to lead the way for USJ. Three other starters also finished in double figures, including sophomore guard Jelly Frigo (Canton, Conn.), who finished with 11 points, six boards, and four assists. Saint Joseph hit six long balls and shot 10-for-11 from the foul line (90.9%), while also maintaining a plus-16 edge on the glass. USJ also capitalized on mistakes better in this one, outscoring the Wildcats 24-9 in points off turnovers.

UP NEXT
The Blue Jays will look to make it five in a row for the first time since winning eight straight in 2010-11. Their next GNAC foe is the Pride of Regis College. That contest will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28 at Regis. Spectators outside of the Regis community are not allowed at Pride indoor sporting events, but fans can head over to www.usjbluejays.com to catch the action live!

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