ITHACA, N.Y. - The Ithaca women's basketball team defeated RIT in a Liberty League matchup on Tuesday evening. After a close game (65-62) when the two teams met earlier in the season, the Bombers had full control of this game from start to finish, winning 68-53. This victory improves the Bombers overall season record to 14-7 and 13-1 in Liberty League play.
Ithaca dominated the first half on both sides of the court, never giving up the lead to RIT. The closest RIT would get to the Bombers lead was 8-5, which came from a three-pointer by Caroline Henderson just four minutes into the first quarter. The Bombers largest lead developed near the end of the second quarter as they dominated the Tigers 41-20. This late surge came from two back-to-back three-pointers from
Tori Drevna and a jump shot from
Emma Waite.
Waite and Drevna also highlighted both the Bombers offense and defense in the first half as they looked to run in transition. Waite led on both sides of the ball, putting up 12 points and recording three steals. Drevna trailed close behind, scoring nine points while recording two steals. Senior
Annabella Yorio also contributed to Ithaca's strong efforts in the first half with six rebounds.
The Bombers had a slower start to the third quarter, not putting points on the board until Yorio drained a three-pointer three minutes in. RIT capitalized on the lull in Ithaca's offense, scoring six unanswered. It was again Yorio who broke their point streak with a hook shot. The Tigers showed signs of life, scoring five more points off a three-pointer from Hannah Durand and a layup from Ben Kayser-Cochran. With 3:56 left in the quarter and the score 46-31, Drevna and
Zoraida Icabalceta put up more points to strengthen the Bombers lead. Despite still trailing by 19, RIT continued to fight, scoring five points in the last few minutes of the third. The Tigers dominated the quarter, scoring 16 points to Ithaca's 11.
Ithaca started the fourth quarter strong, putting up a quick seven unanswered points in the first three minutes. However, after a layup from
Anya Watkins with 6:48 left on the clock, the Bombers wouldn't score again until the final minute of the game. RIT fought back, scoring 17 points in the fourth, but it would not be enough to catch up to the Bombers, who secured the 68-53 win. Leading the scoring charge for the Bombers was
Emma Waite who netted 22, which included 8-of-12 shooting from the field.
The Bombers travel to Canton, N.Y., on Friday, February 14, to take on St. Lawrence University at 5:30 p.m. in another Liberty League matchup.
