The Basics
Score: Roberts Wesleyan 81-68 William Smith
Records: Roberts Wesleyan 6-0 | William Smith 1-4
Location: Bristol Gymnasium – Geneva, N.Y.
 
GENEVA, N.Y. – Roberts Wesleyan women's basketball opened their defense of their Wendy's College Classic with a convincing win over William Smith Tuesday evening.

The top-seeded Redhawks used their three-point shooting to good use, hitting nearly 45 percent from beyond the arc.

The win marks the ninth straight win in the Classic for the Redhawks, dating back to the 2013 tournament.
 
How it Happened:
The Redhawks opened the game with a 25-17 lead through the first 10 minutes before taking a 22-point lead at the 4:36 mark in the third quarter with a layup from Necedah James, who ended the game with 13 points.

Lucy Covley poured in 15 points, all of which came from behind the three-point line.

As a team, the Redhawks shot 40.8 percent from the field against the Herons, who ended the game shooting 35.1 percent.
 
Key Stat:
Roberts Wesleyan managed to score 17 points off of 13 miscues by William Smith compared to the Herons scoring just 10 points off of 10 turnovers by the Redhawks.
 
Inside the Numbers:
- Roberts Wesleyan stole the ball seven times, who was led by James' three steals. Offensively, the sophomore was credited with six assists.
- Samantha Courtney pick-up her fourth double-double of the season after scoring 10 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
- The Herons' Melanie Patterson led her team with 19 points.
 
"Fields'" Impact:
The sophomore went 6 of 10 from long range before ending the night 7 of 17 from the field to lead Roberts Wesleyan against the No.8-seeded Herons. Fields added four assists and a pair of steals for the Redhawks.
 
Up Next:
The Redhawks advance to the semifinals where they will face No. 4-seed St. John Fisher at the University of Rochester's Louis Alexander Palestra on Thursday at 6 p.m.