Articles

JWU Women’s Basketball Knocks Off Norwich, 75-69 In OT

Details

Created on Sunday, 05 February 2012 00:26

Written by George Commo

Aliah Curry paced Norwich with 27 points

Courtesy Johnson and Wales Sports Information

Providence, R.I. – The Johnson & Wales University women’s basketball team posted a thrilling 75-69 overtime victory against Norwich in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference contest at the Harborside Recreation Center on Saturday afternoon.  Seniors Kaitlyn Lefort (Pawtucket, R.I.) and Trinece Benson (Boston, Mass.) were honored in a ceremony prior to the game.

Johnson & Wales was led by sophomore Jenna Juron (Burnt Hills, N.Y.) with 27 points, three rebounds and three assists. Junior Marina Millian (Chester, N.Y.) had 15 points and four assists while freshman Natalie DiCocco (Media, Pa.) registered 15 points and a team-best seven boards in the victory for the Wildcats.

Freshman Aliah Curry (Windsor, Mass.) paced Norwich with 27 points and five rebounds while junior Jessalyn Sweeney (Stanfordville, N.Y.) had a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards for the Cadets.

Johnson & Wales controlled the action early and led 18-13 on a jumper by freshman Valerie Arce (Providence, R.I.) with 12:44 left in the first half.  A three-pointer by Millian with 3:50 remaining gave the Wildcats a 30-25 advantage.  JWU then took the 33-29 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Wildcats extended their lead in the opening stages of the second half and took their first double-digit lead when a jumper by junior Ayla Walter (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.) with 17:28 on the clock made the score 42-31.  Norwich climbed back throughout the second half and took their first lead of the game on a layup by Sweeney, putting the Cadets up 60-59.  The two teams then traded leads throughout the rest of regulation with the game tied 64-64 at the end of regulation.  JWU then took control in the overtime period, leading 72-66 on a free throw from DiCocco with 1:59 on the clock.  The Wildcats then held on for the 75-69 victory.

With the win Johnson & Wales improves to 9-13 overall and 5-5 in the GNAC while Norwich falls to 9-13 on the year and 4-6 in league play.