
PROVIDENCE, RI – Every time visiting Saint Joseph made a run, the Johnson & Wales University women's basketball team responded. The Wildcats won their third game in a row, 71-65 over the Blue Jays on Saturday.
Records:
Saint Joseph: 5-3, 1-1 GNAC
Johnson & Wales: 5-2, 2-0 GNAC
Statistical Leaders:
Ally Mishol (JWU): 22 points, 11 rebounds
Raquel Pederzani (JWU): 16 points, 5 assists
Kayla Guest (USJ): 31 points, 11 rebounds
Of Note:
The Blue Jays had an early lead, but the Wildcats held USJ scoreless for two minutes and went on an 11-0 run. Britney Gallagher (New City, NY) converted a three-point play to grow JWU's lead to as many as 16 (27-11). The Blue Jays outscored the Wildcats, 19-14, in the second half, but the Wildcats took a 41-30 lead into the locker room.
Saint Joseph made another run at JWU in the third quarter, closing the lead to 43-39 on a Rajeen Mayo free throw with 4:31 remaining. The Blue Jays cut the lead to 64-60 with two minutes left in the game, but the Wildcats made five free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
Johnson & Wales' ability to control the boards was the difference in the game. Led by Ally Mishol's (Longmeadow, Mass.) game-high 11 boards, the Wildcats had a 57-45 rebounding advantage. JWU hauled in 26 offensive rebounds, which led to 15 second-chance points.
Mishol was one of three Wildcats in double figures, tossing in a team-high 22 points for the double-double. Raquel Pederzani (Coventry, RI) was next with 16 points while Gallagher chipped in 11.
Leading all players was USJ's Kayla Guest with a game-high 31 points. Raelynn Voislow followed with 12 points. The Blue Jays did not take advantage of their opportunities at the free throw line, going 13-of-25 (52 percent).
Next Game:
Johnson & Wales is on the road Monday to take on UMass Dartmouth at 6 p.m.