Women's College Basketball
Fairfield University 59, Rider University 47
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Game

LAWRENCEVILLE—The Rider University women's basketball team lost its sixth straight game, falling to Fairfield University 59-47 on Sunday afternoon in Alumni Gymnasium.

For Rider (3-13, 0-6 MAAC), sophomore Robin Perkins (Willingboro/Trenton Catholic) had 17 points in 33 minutes of play.

“We are doing what we have to do,” Perkins said.  “We just have to learn how to close out games better.”

Trailing 27-25, Fairfield (5-10, 4-2 MAAC) went on 12-0 run, five points each by Margeaux Dupuy and Casey Smith as the Stags took a 37-27 lead with 12:33 left in the contest, the ninth and final lead change of the game.  Smith finished with nine points, five rebounds and five assists with Dupuy scoring seven points in 21 minutes off the bench.

“We had a stretch where we stopped scoring and didn't get stops,” said head coach Lynn Milligan.  “The game got to double-digits really quick.  We are playing great for 30 minutes and unfortunately the games are 40 minutes long.”

Rider cut the Stag lead to eight with 11:36 left but could get no closer.  Leading 45-36, Fairfield scored seven straight points to extend the Bronc deficit to 16 with 5:22 remaining.

The opening half was a close battle, featuring seven ties and five lead changes.

“The first half was typical Rider-Fairfield,” said Milligan.  “It was low scoring.  Both teams made good scores and good stops.”

Trailing 11-9, Rider went on a 5-0 run, three points by senior Kornelija Valiuskyte (Siauliai Lithuania/The Rock School) as the Broncs went into the lead 14-11 with 12:34 left in the opening period.

The Stags responded with a 7-0 run to go ahead 18-14 with 10:12 left in period one.

Both teams struggled on the offensive end of the court for the remainder of the opening half and the Stags went into intermission leading 23-22.

Also for Rider, junior Emily Fazzini (Wayne, Pa./Archbishop Carroll) had nine points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block in 23 minutes of play.

The Stags were led by 16 points from Kristin Schatzlein and 13 points by Kelsey Carey with Felicia DaCruz compiling seven assists and six rebounds.

Fairfield had 18 assists on 25 field goals and out-shot Rider 47 percent (25-53) to 32 percent (18-56).

Fairfield has won 33 of the 39 games all-time over Rider.  Last season the Stags swept the Broncs in the season series with Rider winning 63-56 over the Stags in the MAAC quarterfinals.  The teams meet again at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut on January 22 at 5pm in a game that will be seen on ESPN 3.

“Progress is being made,” Milligan said.  “We completely understand that we are judged on the 40 minutes game and our record.  The unfortunate part is that people don't see how hard the team is working and the commitment that they make 24/7.  We just need to do some of the little things at a higher level.  We work hard and we'll get this figured out.”

Rider hosts Niagara on Friday at 7pm in a MAAC game.

-RU-