Box Score FRANKLIN, Mass. – The Rivier women's basketball team opened Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play with a decisive 81-56 victory over Dean College on Saturday afternoon at Pieri Gymnasium. 

With the win, the Raiders improved to 1-13 overall and 1-0 in conference action, while the Bulldogs fell to 5-9 overall and 0-1 in the GNAC.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Rivier established an early presence inside, taking a 17-15 lead at the end of the first quarter behind strong rebounding and paint scoring
• Sophomore Sydney Perry set the tone offensively, scoring efficiently around the basket while anchoring the Raiders on the glass
• The Raiders continued to build momentum in the second quarter, extending their lead to 35-29 at halftime
• Rivier came out strong after the break, scoring in the first three possessions of the half
• The Raiders shot 50 percent from the field in the period, finding success attacking the basket
• Graduate student Juju Nealy ignited the offense with timely three-pointers and strong decision-making in transition
• Sophomore Gianna Donato took over offensively during the quarter, scoring in multiple ways to keep Dean from closing the gap
• Raiders defense held strong throughout the quarter creating fast break opportunities outscoring Dean 24-18 in the third quarter 
• Rivier locked in defensively in the fourth quarter, holding Dean to just nine points while closing the game on a 22-9 run
• The Raiders forced 23 turnovers and capitalized with 28 points off turnovers to put the game away

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

• Perry led all scorers with 26 points on 13-of-19 shooting while adding 12 rebounds for a double-double
• Donato finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, and five steals
• Nealy recorded a near triple-double with 20 points and a team-high 10 assists
• Junior Erika Fantauzzi pulled down eight rebounds as Rivier won the rebounding battle, 47–33
• Rivier shot 45.9 percent from the field and scored 42 points in the paint

UP NEXT
The Raiders continue GNAC play as they prepare for their next conference matchup, Mitchell College. Tip off is set for Wednesday January 14 at 4:00 p.m.