Scranton, PA (November 13, 2021) - The #9 DeSales University women's basketball fell to #12 The University of Scranton, 74-68, in a battle of national powerhouses in the Bulldogs season opener on Saturday evening.

The Basics

• Final Score: #12 Scranton - 74, #9 DeSales - 68
• Records: DeSales (0-1 Overall); Scranton (2-0 Overall)
• It was the 39th career meeting between these two national powers with Scranton improving to 31-9 all-time.

How it Happened

• DeSales opened the game quickly scoring the first eight points of the game and led 13-8 five minutes into the contest.
• A high scoring first quarter saw the Lady Royals take a 25-23 lead on two free throws with 11 seconds left.
• Scranton broke a tie at 27 with eight straight points and led by as many as 12 points in the second quarter before the Bulldogs cut the margin down to eight at the break (42-34).
• The third quarter was back-and-forth as DeSales cut the lead down to three points before UofS re-claimed an 11-point advantage with the hosts clinging to that eight-point halftime advantage after the smoke cleared on the quarter.
• Trailing by 11 points at the 8:01 mark DSU started to clamp down on defense holding the Lady Royals scoreless over the next 5:02 and used 13-1 run to take a 68-67 lead with 2:05 to go in the game.
• A stop on the defensive end gave the Bulldogs the ball back with a chance to extend the lead but a missed lawy-up saw Scranton get possession with a chance to the lead back and Emily Shurina buried a three to give the hosts a 70-68 advantage.
• After a timeout, DSU was long on a jumper from the right wing and Scranton took advantage hitting another three with the shot clock winding down to take a 5-point lead and ultimately the win.

Top Bulldog Performers

• Sophomore Mikaela Reese led the Bulldogs with a team-high 20 points and pulled down six boards.
• Senior Averi Jordan added 19 points.
• Senior Rylie Rittenhouse also reached double figures with 10 points.

For the Foes

• Bridget Monaghan led all scorers with 30 points, hitting eight 3's.
• Abby Anderson added 21 points and had five assists.
• Shurina finished with nine points and 10 boards.

Inside the Box Score

• Scranton hit 13 3's and shot 43.3 percent (13-for-30) from deep.
• DeSales also efficient from outside the arc going 8-for-17 (47.1 percent).
• UofS dominated the glass out-rebounding DeSales, 48-27.
• The Bulldogs took excellent care of the ball committing just seven turnovers for the game.

Up Next

• The Bulldogs return to action on Tuesday when they travel cross-town to take on local rival Muhlenberg College beginning at 7:30 pm.