Women's College Basketball
Quinnipiac University 65, Rider University 47
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Game

LAWRENCEVILLE—The Rider University women's basketball team had its two-game winning streak snapped losing to Quinnipiac University on Sunday afternoon.

Quinnipiac (19-7, 14-3 MAAC) won its 14th game in a row, defeating the Broncs 65-47.

“Quinnipiac hurt us in transition,” said head coach Lynn Milligan.  “We defended a lot of their half court sets pretty well but we were half a step slow getting back when they pushed the ball up the floor and we didn't make enough shots.”

For Rider (7-20, 4-14 MAAC), junior Robin Perkins (Willingboro/Trenton Catholic) had 12 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Quinnipiac was led by Carly Fabbri who had 17 points and Maria Napalitano who added 12 points.

Quinnipiac opened the game 9-2 run and leading by five, the Bobcats used a 13-4 run, making the score 22-8 with exactly 1:00 left in the opening quarter.

A three-pointer by freshman Lexi Posset (Pittsburgh, Pa./Beaver Area) at the end of the first quarter sparked an 8-0 Rider run as the Broncs got to within 22-16 with 8:11 left in the second quarter.

Posset finished with 11 points.

Rider held Quinnipiac to only three field goals in the second quarter but the Bobcats went six for six from the free throw line to key a 10-0 run as the Bobcats led 32-16 with 1:27 left in period two.

The Bobcats went 19-23 from the free throw line in the game.

Quinnipiac led 32-19 at the half.

Four points by Perkins keyed an 8-0 Bronc run, cutting the deficit to 44-31 with 3:42 left in the third quarter.

The Bobcats led 50-33 after three periods.

Rider was out-scored 8-1 to begin the fourth quarter before Posset hit a three-pointer to get Rider to within 55-37 with 6:35 left in the game.

Posset went two for two from long distance with the rest of the Bronc squad 0-13 from three-point range.

“LP has developed well this season,” Milligan said.  “She is learning how to play at this level every single day.  She understands that this is something she can do.”

Rider was out-shot 38 percent (21-56) to 28 percent (15-54).

Quinnipiac improved to 7-0 all-time against Rider including a 64-51 win over the Broncs in Hamden, Connecticut on January 6.

Rider honored its graduating seniors, Manon Pellet (Marseille, France) and Janine Loutzenhiser (Orinda, Calif./Miramonte) prior to the game.

“Both Janine and Manon gave their all to the program for all four years,” Milligan said.  “They represent what Rider women's basketball is all about and they will have very successful careers after Rider.”

Pellet finished with two steals and an assist in 22 minutes of play with Loutzenhiser playing four minutes after making her first career start.

Rider travels to Monmouth University on Thursday for a MAAC and hOURglass rivalry game at 7pm.

-RU-