BRIDGEWATER, Mass. –Junior guard Michaela Cosby (Walpole, Mass.) posted a double-double with season high totals of 18 points and ten rebounds to lead the Bridgewater State University women's basketball team to an 83-67 non-conference victory over UMass Dartmouth on Tuesday evening at the Tinsley Center.
Cosby connected on 6 of 10 field goal attempts and knocked down 6 of 7 free throws as the host Bears improved to 3-1 on the season. UMass slipped to 3-2 overall with the loss.
After an evenly played first half, the visiting Corsairs took a 35-34 lead into the intermission. Senior guard Stephanie Houtman (New Bedford, Mass.) scored ten of her team-high 18 points in the opening stanza for UMass.
Bridgewater would take control of the game right out of the break as the Bears used a 17-3 run over the first 5 ½ minutes to take a 51-38 lead. BSU senior forward Monica-Sabina Bharoocha (North Smithfield, R.I.) notched nine of her season-high 15 points during the run.
The Bears would maintain at least an eight point lead until the 2:59 mark when the Corsairs cut the deficit to 72-65 on a driving layup by freshman guard Melissa Daigle (Rockland, Mass.). Bridgewater, however, would answer by scoring 11 straight points, including 7-for-7 at the free throw line, over the next two minutes to secure the victory.
Sophomore forward Megan Boutilette (Charlton, Mass.) and sophomore guard Jenna Williamson (Ludlow, Mass.) also finished in double figure scoring for the hosts. Boutilette tallied a season-best 18 points on 7 of 10 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, two blocks and three steals, while Williamson registered 17 points (also a season-high) as well as five assists. Senior forward Shelly DePina (New Bedford, Mass.) added seven points, nine boards, two blocks and two steals.
The Bears converted on 25 of 30 (83%) free throw attempts for the game and shot 42% (28-66) from the floor. Bridgewater held a 47-38 rebounding advantage including a 16-12 edge on the offensive glass.
Along with her 18 points, Houtman also pulled down eight rebounds for UMass. Junior center Colleen Moriarty (Canton, Mass.) added 16 points and seven boards, while freshman guard Kelsey Garrity (Somerville, Mass.) chipped in with 15 points, four rebounds and four steals.
The Corsairs connected on 40% (26-65) of their field goal attempts. The two teams combined to shoot just 4 for 31 from behind the arc.
The Bears, who have posted seven straight victories over the Corsairs dating back to 2005, will travel to Williams College on Friday to take on the Ephs in the semifinals of the Williams Winter Classic. Tip-off is slated for 6:00 PM. UMass hosts Becker College on Thursday night at seven.