Box Score ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women's basketball team defeated the Stevens Institute of Technology Saturday afternoon, dropping the Ducks by a score of 61-42 on Senior Day at Ben Light Gymnasium. The win improves the Bombers' overall record to 19-4, including a mark of 13-1 in the Empire 8. Stevens falls to 19-3 overall and 12-2 in conference play. Ithaca's victory moves the Bombers into first place in the Empire 8, while the Ducks slide down to second in the conference.

Senior Ally Mnich led the Bombers with 11 points. She also recorded two assists, two steals and six rebounds. Classmate Francesca Cotrupe chipped in with eight points, and tied for the team lead with 10 rebounds. Sophomore Alex Gilligan led all reserves with nine points, while classmate Erin Ferguson tied for the team lead with 10 boards in just 10 minutes of play.  

Another tight defensive start was the story of Saturday's contest, as neither team was able to reach the 20-point plateau at the end of the opening frame. A layup from Stevens opened the half, but a three pointer from sophomore Ali Ricchiuti countered the Ducks to put the Bombers ahead early, 3-2. The game featured two ties and two lead changes over the next six minutes, culminating in a 10-10 score with 11:42 to go in the half.

Stevens then broke the stalemate with seven-straight points, taking a 17-10 lead on the Bombers with 5:28 remaining. Mnich responded for Ithaca, pulling the Bombers ahead of the Ducks thanks to three-straight three pointers in consecutive possessions. Mnich's offensive output in the closing minutes swung the momentum back in Ithaca's favor, giving the Bombers a 19-18 lead at the break.  

After a brief tie to start the second, Ithaca began to pull away from the Ducks. The Bombers took the contest's first double digit lead (44-34) with 9:43 remaining in the frame, thanks to a 25-16 run in their favor. Ithaca took off from there, dominating the Ducks for the remainder of the game. The Bombers outscored Stevens 42-24 in the second half, easily securing the 61-42 conference victory.

The game marked the final regular season home game for four Bomber seniors, including Geena Brady, Samantha Klie, Ally Mnich and Francesca Cotrupe.

Ithaca returns to action on Tuesday Feb. 17, as they head to Nazareth for a road Empire 8 game. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. 

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