SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - The American International College women's basketball team captured its first win of the new year on Thursday, January 3, defeating the University of Bridgeport, 69-49, in a nonconference matchup.

FAST FACTS:

Final Score: AIC 69, Bridgeport 49

Record: AIC improves to 8-5 overall, while Bridgeport falls to 7-6 overall.

Location: Butova Gym - Springfield, Mass.

STAT LEADERS:

AIC:

Points: Dana Watts (26)

Assists: Rashana Siders (6)

Rebounds: Dana Watts (15)

Bridgeport:

Points: Nicole Johnson (12)

Assists: Sarah Middleton (2), Briana Stoddart (2), Andrea Terranova (2)

Rebounds: Samnell Vonleh (6)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Purple Knights won the opening tip and got out to an early 4-0 lead. AIC responded with a 9-0 run to go up 9-4 with 6:41 remaining in the first.
• At the end of the first, AIC led Bridgeport 19-10. Senior forward Dana Watts led the way with 11 first-quarter points, outscoring the Purple Knights singlehandedly.
• Bridgeport opened the second quarter with a full court press, forcing seven turnovers in the first 6:31 of the frame.
• The Yellow Jacket defense was impressive in the second quarter as well, holding the Purple Knights to just seven points.
• Watts continued her hot shooting with another 11 points in the frame, while junior guard Rashana Siders led the team in assists with five and seniors Dominique Boyd and Watts led the team with six rebounds in the half.
• Bridgeport started the second half on a 7-0 run in the first three minutes, cutting the deficit to 13 points.
  The Yellow Jackets built their lead back up to 20 by the end of the third quarter, taking a 51-31 edge into the final frame.
• In the fourth quarter, AIC's lead grew to as many as 26 points when freshman guard Yasmeen Guerrier converted a three-pointer to give AIC a 68-42 lead with 2:24 remaining. Bridgeport tried to rally, but faced too much of a deficit, falling 69-49.

BUZZWORTHY:

• AIC held Bridgeport to just seven points in the second quarter, the fourth-fewest points allowed in a quarter this season.
• Watts set a season high in points with 26, topping her previous best of 25 against Post on December 1 and Goldey-Beacom on November 10.
• Freshman guard Zoe Willis set a career high in rebounds with six.

NEXT UP:

• The Yellow Jackets will travel to Assumption College on Saturday, January 5 at 1:30 p.m.

STAY CONNECTED:,

• For more updates about the AIC women's basketball team, follow@AICWBBonTwitterandInstagram, and likeAIC Women's BasketballonFacebook. For updates on all AIC Yellow Jackets teams, follow@AICAthleticsonTwitterandInstagram, and likeAIC Yellow JacketsonFacebook.