Tigers outlast Herons 71-60

Rochester Institute of Technology defeated the William Smith College basketball team 71-60 in Liberty League action this afternoon.

Sophomore Mara Bledsoe and first-year Amelia McCulley led the Herons with 11 points apiece. Senior Brooke Jarvis and junior Molly Walsh each posted 10 points. First-year Jazzmyn Lewis accounted for nearly half of William Smith’s 13 steals in the game, posting a season-high six.

The Tigers put five players in double figures led by Emma Waite’s game-high 13 points. Faye Kaplinski logged 12 points. Erin DiPaola notched a double-double on 11 points and 10 rebounds. Lila McGuiggan also grabbed 10 boards. Ella Wilson and Lauren Sabia each finished with 10 points.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• William Smith got off to a slow start, but only trailed by seven at the end of the first quarter.
• The Tigers pounced in the second quarter, shooting 50% from the floor and limiting the Herons to 18.8%.
• RIT opened the second quarter on a 12-2 run, stretching its lead to 33-16.
• William Smith scored six of the next eight points, but the Tigers ended the half on a 9-1 run.
• RIT led 44-23 at halftime.
• The Tigers maintained a healthy margin throughout the third quarter, heading into the final 10 minutes with a 22-point lead.
• The Herons scored the final 15 points of the game, but came up 11 points short.

FOR THE RECORD

• With the win, RIT moves to 7-11 overall, 6-5 in the Liberty League.
• William Smith drops to 4-15, 4-8.

UP NEXT

• William Smith’s four-game homestand continues Friday, Feb. 2 when the Herons welcome Clarkson (4-15, 2-10) to Bristol Gym. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
• During the game, William Smith will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
• Girls will be invited onto the court at halftime as part of the celebration and have an opportunity to meet with current Herons after the game to learn what it’s like to be a college athlete and the importance of an active, healthy lifestyle.
• From 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., Theo Petros Food Truck will be outside…