OAKDALE, N.Y. (February 14, 2015) -  The women's basketball team went 2-0 this weekend with their win over Dowling (4-18, 4-12 ECC), 79-67 this afternoon. This was the second match up between Dowling and Roberts Wesleyan. Earlier this season, the Redhawks defeated Dowling at home, 82-54. 

Today's victory has Roberts Wesleyan (16-5, 11-4 ECC) tied with Queens College for second in the ECC, not putting them far behind Dist. of Columbia. 


Slow First Start
Dowling was the first to put points on the board this afternoon. This was the start to Downling's 6-2 point run within the first few minutes of the game. With 15:55 left in the first half, the Golden Lions led the Redhawks 11-5, which was their largest lead for the game. As the Redhawks began to fight back, the Golden Lions were not going to give up easily. There were five lead changes in the first half, making the Redhawks work hard for their points. 

With 5:40 left in the first half, the Redhawks clinch the lead for good. Senior forward, Christina Healy, hits a shot inside the paint, giving the Redhawks this lead. Going into halftime, Roberts Wesleyan leads Dowling 39-33. 


Strong Second Half
Starting the second half, the Redhawks continue to dominate. Raising their field goal percentage but just over 10 and doubling their percentage from behind the arch, the Redhawks breezed through and continued to lead the second half. 

Offensively, the Redhawks were strong and able to gain multiple second chance points. With 18 points scored off of second chances, the Redhawks tripled Dowling, who only scored six. 

With 10:25 left in the second half, Roberts Wesleyan gained their largest lead, 64-48. As Dowling tried to make a late come back, they fell short and the Redhawks came out on top. 


An Outstanding Bench
Roberts Wesleyan had many players to chose from to play in this afternoon's match up. Having a strong bench helped the Redhawks come out with a win. The Redhawks had a total of 31 bench points, with Christina Healy contributing 15. Ashely Smith added nine, while Jenna Johnson put up seven. Marissa Sell, with another double-double, led the Redhawks with 21 points and 18 rebounds.

In today's game, Sell became the all time leader in rebounding school history, beating Jeanette Glover's old record of 981. She now has 987 total rebounds and leads the ECC. Sell noted, "Our bench was huge. I cannot say enough about how they prepare for and are ready whenever we need them. Our bench outscored theirs, 31-7, and added 8 assists. Seniors Christina Healy, Ashley Smith, Jenna Johnson and Junior Lakiah Huff really turned the game in our favor. When you play back to back like we do in our league, it is such a wonderful thing to go down the bench and see these great kids ready and able to contribute when we need them."