ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women's basketball team returned home to face the RIT Tigers in a Liberty League matchup, showcasing defensive intensity and balanced scoring throughout a hard-fought contest. RIT would come away with a 44-43 win as the Tigers held on during the closing minutes.
 
Ithaca set the tone early with strong defensive energy and efficient offense. Aila Dervisevic opened the scoring with a three-pointer, followed by a smooth finish from Avery McPeek, while Madalyn Barrows added a key three later in the quarter to keep momentum on Ithaca's side. Grace McNamara controlled the glass from the start, pulling down multiple defensive rebounds to help the Bombers maintain a narrow edge as the score seesawed. At the end of the first quarter, Ithaca stayed right with RIT, and held a 13-11 lead.
 
The second quarter highlighted Ithaca's depth and resilience as the Bombers repeatedly answered RIT runs. After the Tigers tied the game at 21-21, Barrows responded with a floating jumper to regain the lead. Tori Drevna provided steady scoring with a layup and a pull-up jumper, while Natalie Tucker added a strong driving finish off a Mary Bernat assist. Defensively, McNamara, Bernat, and Madison Gill each recorded blocks to protect the paint and limit RIT's opportunities. By halftime, Ithaca's commitment to defense and team play kept the game close, with McNamara filling the stat sheet and Zoraida Icabalceta contributing timely perimeter shooting, including a key three-pointer as it went into the break tied up at 21 points apiece.
 
The Bombers opened the third quarter with urgency, sparked by Icabalceta's defensive rebound and block on the opening possession. Offensively, Drevna attacked the rim for a driving layup, while Tucker added a midrange jumper and continued to pressure RIT in transition. Despite the Tigers briefly extending their lead, Ithaca responded with effort plays and interior toughness. Bernat finished a strong drive, and McNamara delivered timely scoring while dominating the glass with multiple offensive rebounds. Icabalceta facilitated the offense with key assists and anchored the defense, helping Ithaca stay within striking distance heading into the final period.
 
In the fourth quarter, Ithaca battled back with determination. Gill sparked the Bombers with a clutch three-pointer to cut the deficit, followed by defensive stops including blocks from Tucker and Gill. Drevna took control offensively, knocking down a huge three-pointer to give Ithaca a 40–39 lead and later adding multiple pull-up jumpers to finish with 13 points. Gill had IC trailing 44-43 when she again splashed from downtown, but both teams were held scoreless during the final 2:48.
 
McPeek contributed inside, while Icabalceta impacted the game with assists, a steal, and active defense. Barrows and Dervisevic fought on the glass to generate extra possessions, keeping Ithaca competitive until the final horn.
 
Ithaca returns to Ben Light Gymnasium tomorrow, January 10, for another Liberty League matchup against Union.