Lynx Shoot The Lights Out in 75-69 Win Over Rivier

Nashua, NH – The Lesley University Lynx shot just over 57% from the field and made 38 trips to the free throw line en route to a 75-69 win tonight against Rivier College. The Raiders got 66 attempts at the basket, compared to just 42 for the visiting Lynx, but were only able to hit 25 shots for a 38% night from the floor.

A slow first half had the visiting Lynx up 29-21 at the break, draining 11 or 23 shots compared to the Raiders 9 for 32 mark. Lesley also held a slight advantage at the free throw line outscoring the home team 5-2. The second half showed both teams had the ability to score as Rivier outscored their opponent 48-46 in the second half recording six 3-pointers yet still falling short of their ultimate goal.

With the game winding down and just 1:30 left on the clock, the Raiders pulled to within 3 points after an Amandra Purcell (Hudson, NH) 3-pointer. On the Lynx next possession they pushed the ball a little too fast and turned it over, but the Raiders were unable to capitalize as Erin Sweeney (Chicopee, MA) drove the lane and missed a lay-up in traffic. A quick foul sent the Lynx Emily Fleming (Medford, MA) to the free throw line where she missed both and gave Rivier another chance. Purcell was again able to penetrate the Lynx defense and get to the basket and again the lay-up wouldn't fall. Kaitlyn Wechsler (Merrick, NY) took the next trip to the free throw line for the Lynx and hit 1 of 2, but Cassidy Freed (Brattleboro, VT) was able to grab the offensive rebound after the second shot to keep possession. Jenna Fralick (Woburn, MA) then drained her two free throws to put the Lynx up by 6. Purcell took one more shot at a 3-pointer with 10 seconds to play, but couldn't get it to fall and the Lynx ran out the final seconds for the win.

Wechsler led the charge for the Lynx as she scored a game high 33 points going 15-20 from the free throw line while also grabbing 7 rebounds. Rachael O'Mara (Levittown, NY) scored 24 points and added 10 rebounds while Freed grabbed a game high 13 rebounds.

Purcell dropped 21 points for the home team and dished out 4 assists while Steph Adams (Nashua, NH) added 12 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Freshman Ryan Baker (Whitinsville, MA) played well with 8 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.

The Raiders will remain home on Saturday to take on GNAC foe Suffolk University at 1:00 PM. Meanwhile, Lesley will host Elms College on the same day at 10:00 AM.