ALBANY, N.Y. – The Villa Maria College women's basketball team earned its first North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA) victory this season, 67-62, at Bryant and Stratton Albany on Dec. 19.
In a game where the lead changed several times, it was the Vikings' effort and resilience that proved to be the difference. Trailing 52-48 heading into the final quarter, Villa outscored the Bobcats,19-10, in the fourth quarter to seal the victory with four Viking players finishing with double-digit point performances and two registering double-doubles on the night.
JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: Villa 67, Bryant and Stratton Albany 62
LOCATION: Albany, N.Y. | Washington Avenue Armory
TEAM RECORDS: Villa (1-6, 1-1 NACIA), BSC Albany (1-6, 0-2 NACIA)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Vikings jumped out to a 33-29 first-half lead.
- The Bobcats took a four-point lead into the fourth quarter.
- Lyliana Edwards (17 points, 14 rebounds) and Kiki Mercado (14 points, 10 steals) led the team with double-doubles.
- Mia Special (16 points) and Keiliany Diaz (12 points) also finished with double-digit point performances.
- The Vikings shot over 70% from the free throw line led by 10 points from Special.
- Daishya Stallings finished with nine rebounds to help generate offensive opportunities.
- Alyssa Saavedra finished with a team-best seven assists.
- Mercado and Diaz combined to shoot 57% beyond the arc, going a combined 4-of-7.
UP NEXT:
The Vikings return home to face Bryant and Stratton Ohio in a NACIA game on Sunday, Dec. 21 with tip-off set for 12 PM.
