SMITHFIELD, RI – Playing for the third time in four days, the Rider University women's basketball team was defeated, 81-57, Saturday evening at Bryant. The Broncs fall to 1-3 on the season, while the Bulldogs remain unbeaten at 4-0 on the year.
 
After a pair of buckets from Alena Cofield (Langhorne, PA/Neshaminy) and a layup from Aliya McIver (White Plains, NY/White Plains) put Rider on top 6-4, the Bulldogs went on a quick 5-0 run to retake the lead. After a three from McIver tied the game 14-14, Bryant went on a 8-0 run and led 22-16 after the opening 10 minutes.
 
The Broncs opened the second with a bucket from McIver, then a layup from Deb Okechukwu (Washington, DC/Archbishop Carroll [Harcum CC/CCBC – Essex]) to get within two at 22-20, but Bryant would maintain a single digit lead for the remainder of the first half. A three from McIver that went down just before the expiration of the second quarter sent the Broncs to the locker room down 37-32.
 
The Bulldogs came out of the locker room firing, opening the third with a 16-1 run that extended the Bulldogs' lead to 20. Rider responded with Kristina Ekofo (Brussels, Belgium/ Établissement Des Soeurs De Notre Dame[North Dakota State University/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M]) scoring the game's next eight points and Rider had the lead trimmed to 61-49 after three quarters.
 
Bryant opened the fourth, just as they did the third, going on an 11-0 run to extend the lead to 72-49. Down 74-51, Rider scored five-straight points, led by three points and an assist from Okechukwu, but Rider would get no closer.
 
Quotes & Notes
- Bryant extends its lead in the all-time series to 2-0.
- Okechukwu led Rider with a career-high 18 points, reaching double figures for the first time as a Bronc.
- Ekofo added 15 to finish in double figures for the fourth time this season.
- McIver tied a career-high with 14, scoring in double digits for the third time this year.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider shot 41.5% (22-53) from the field, and 26.3% from three (5-19). The Bulldogs shot 51.6% (32-62) from the field and 50.0% (10-20) from three.
- The Broncs had 12 assists on their 22 made baskets, led by four from
- Bryant outrebounded Rider 37-28, including a 13-9 edge on the offensive glass. McIver led Rider with seven boards.
 
Up Next
The Broncs get some rest, but remain on the road, playing at Navy Wednesday. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.