Providence College Athletics
Providence College
8-6
Hartford
9-5
Women's Basketball Defeats Hartford, 63-46
12/31/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 31, 2011
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence College women's basketball team defeated Hartford, 63-46, in its final non-conference game of the year on December 31 in Providence, R.I. Junior Symone Roberts (New Britain, Conn.) matched her career high with 18 points to lead the Friar offense. Roberts has reached 18 points three other times during her career, including a victory over Hawks in East Hartford last season. Senior Teya Wright (Paterson, N.J.) posted her BIG EAST leading 11th double-double of the year with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Providence took a 27-24 lead into the locker room at halftime, as senior Lola Wells (Fontana, Calif.) and sophomore Alicia Cropper (Brooklyn, N.Y.) scored seven points each for the Friars. Ruthanne Doherty led Hartford in the opening 20 minutes with 10 points. Each team turned the ball over just three times in the half and rebounds were even at 20 apiece. The scored was tied four times, with the Hawks taking just one lead (11-10) with 15:19 on the clock.
The Friars extended their lead to double-digits just 2:39 into the second half, leading 36-26. Hartford cut the lead to eight just eight-seconds later, on a lay-up by Amber Bepko, but it would be the closest the Hawks would get the rest of the way. Providence outscored Hartford, 36-22, in the second half.
Doherty was limited to three points in the second half and finished the day with 13 to lead Hartford. Nikkia Smith chipped in 10 points, while Daphne Elliott hauled in a team-best 10 rebounds.
Senior Rachel Barnes (Windsor, Conn.) enjoyed a well-balanced game for Providence with nine points and eight rebounds. She also dished a career-high five assists for the second-straight game.
The Friars return to action on January 4, 2012 against BIG EAST foe St. John's. The game will be played in Queens, N.Y. at Carnesecca Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Providence's next home game is scheduled for Saturday, January 7 against No. 21/19 DePaul at 2:00 p.m.
