Bay Path Battles Becker for Big Conference Win 81-73
HOLYOKE, Mass.- All five starters led scored in double figures leading the Wildcats of Bay Path to an 81-73 New England Collegiate Conference victory over the Hawks of Becker College tonight at the Brantley Center. Leading the way for the Wildcats was freshman Je'Quana Orr (East Hartford, Conn.) with 17 points while Becker sophomore forward Tatiana Mojica (Worcester, Mass.) topped all players with 23 points and nine boards.
For the first time this season, Bay Path took an early lead and managed to hold the lead the entire game despite a last ditch effort in the final minutes by Becker with Mojica hitting a key jumper at 2:12 left to bring the score within four points at 69-73. The Wildcats were able to convert free throws in the final minutes to hold the lead. Freshman guard Toni Alexander (Enfield, Conn.) notched five from the charity stripe in the final few minutes.
Defense was a key factor in tonight's win for the Wildcats grabbing 43 rebounds to the Hawks' 35 on the night. Bay Path's middle was protected by junior Nicole Delano (Enfield, Conn.) and sophomore Taylor Riley (Colchester, Vt.) combining for five blocks on the evening. Sophomore forward Kayla Skiffington (East Longmeadow, Mass.) finished with 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Delano led all players with 15 boards while chipping in 15 points. Riley made a strong appearance coming off the bench with six rebounds and seven points.
Sophomore guard Haley Ooms (Valatie, N.Y.) added 17 points for the Hawks including nailing 4-for-7 from downtown. Sophomore Jacqueline Chila (Monroe, Conn.) and senior guard Kristina Desnoyers (Adams, Mass.) each had 12 points, sophomore guard Chelsea Joubert (Westborough, Mass.) dished out ten assists, while finishing with five points and three steals.
Toni Alexander finished the game with 12 points, eight assists, four steals and three rebounds, while her sister junior Brittney Alexander (Enfield, Conn.) also had 12 points, three boards, seven assists and two steals.
Bay Path is now 3-10 on the season and 3-6 in the NECC, while Becker falls to 4-12 and 4-6 in conference play. Both teams are back in action on Thursday, January 26th with Bay Path travelling to conference opponent Southern Vermont, while Becker faces non-conference opponent Framingham State both matches starting at 6:00 p.m.
