LEWISBURG, PA - Redshirt junior
Lea Favre (Vevey, Switzerland/Lycee Jeanne d'Arc) scored a game-high 17 points for the Rider University women's basketball team, but the Bucknell Bison scored 54 points in the second half to upend the Broncs 80-59 at Sojka Pavilion. With the win, Bucknell goes to 8-2 as Rider moves to 4-6 with the loss.
The Broncs jumped on the home team early as Favre scored the first eight points, including two that began a 7-0 run and created a 13-8 advantage, the largest lead of the contest for the guests. Rider would maintain that lead for the remainder of the first half after forcing 10 Bucknell turnovers.
In the second half, Bucknell used a 25-12 run over the last 8:08 of the third quarter to put the game out of reach, including 13 points from the Bison's Abby Kapp. Bucknell continued its run by outscoring the Broncs 24-11 in the fourth quarter and holding Rider to 2-of-16 shooting (12.5%). The Bison also converted on 18 of its 19 second-half, free-throw attempts and out-rebounded Rider 13-7 in the final frame.
Graduate student Mia Farmar (Philadelphia, PA/Cardinal O'Hara) scored a Bronc career-high eight points, all in the first half. Junior
Amari Johnson (Red Lion, PA/Dallastown) paced Rider with eight rebounds and two steals while contributing 12 points.
NOTES & QUOTES
"We played well in the first half at both ends for the most part. We were not able to maintain our defensive intensity in the second half as well and Bucknell was able to get to the line. Offensively, we were a bit out of rhytmn most of the day."
- Rider Head Coach Lynn Milligan
- Bucknell has now won two straight games over Rider. The previous meeting came in last season's opener as the Bison took a 76-71 victory.
- Rider out-rebounded Bucknell 36-34, including a 16-7 edge on the offensive glass. Bucknell came into the game averaging a +3.1 rebounding margin.
- Rider shot 2-for-13 from three after the first frame.
BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- Favre came into the game leading the Broncs in field goal percentage and continued that trend with today's 7-for-14 performance. Her 17 points are the most since her 20-point outburst against Navy on November 28.
- Junior
Stella Johnson (Denville, NJ/Morrisville Catholic) continued to fill out the stat sheet with nine points, four rebounds, and two steals on the day.
- Rider was 12-of-16 at the foul line. It marked the third game in a row in which the Broncs hit at least 75 percent of their free-throw attempts.
UP NEXT
Rider returns home to Alumni Gymnasium for their final non-conference game against Georgetown on Friday, December 21. Opening tip is scheduled for 7:00 PM as the Broncs look for their first-ever win against the Hoyas.
