Bryant Beats NJIT in Day 1 of Holiday Classic

December 29, 2004

SMITHFIELD, RI ? The Bryant University women?s basketball team beat NJIT 70-59 in the first day of the Bryant Comfort Suites Holiday Classic played today at the Chace Athletic Center.

Bryant (7-2, 4-2) was led by Joanna Skiba?s (Providence, RI) game-high 19 points and Kellie Fournier?s (Westport, Mass.) 17 points and four rebounds.

The Bulldogs would start the game on an early roll, which saw them take an eight point lead seven minutes in. They closed out the early spurt with a Skiba jumper and a lay-up and a pair of free throws from Fournier. NJIT (4-5) would then take a lead of their own five minutes later when Kelly Corwe?s jumper made it 24-22 Highlanders. Bryant battled back and took a 33-26 lead in the half.

The second half saw both teams battle back-and-fourth before seeing the game tied at 51-51 with ten minutes to play. Bryant would finish the game on a 19-to-8 run to take home the win 70-59. The run was highlighted by two Skiba lay-ups and a pair of Fournier lay-ups.

Megan Peper (Castleton, NY) finished the game with eight points and four rebounds, while Erin Murphy (Albany, NY) also finished with eight and five rebounds. NJIT was led Erika Velez?s 19 and Corwe?s 15.

Bryant will return to action Thursday when they host Lock Haven University in day 2 of the Bryant Christmas Tournament. Tip-off is set for 3:00PM.