SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - In another down-to-the-wire battle, the American International College women's basketball team fell 53-50 to Adelphi University in Northeast-10 Conference action on Wednesday, February 5.
AIC is now 10-12 overall with a 3-11 NE10 mark.
Both teams put up solid offensive numbers in the first, with Adelphi jumping to a 7-2 lead before Ruzgar Christina Boyle knocked down a three and then Ahliya Phillips hit a layup from Keyvanna Bennett. Christina Sanchez and Boyle traded threes, then twos, later in the frame as the lead flipped back and forth. Ultimately, Adelphi held a 16-15 advantage after one.
Bennett was the star of the early part of the second, making three straight shots to flip a 19-15 deficit to a 21-19 lead for AIC, only for Adelphi to run five points in a row to regain the edge. AIC returned the favor, with Boyle knocking in a jumper with a minute to play for a 28-26 AIC advantage, which the Yellow Jackets took to the locker room.
The third quarter saw AIC's offense sputter, as the Panthers scored seven unanswered in the first 5:40 of play, forcing an AIC timeout. The Yellow Jackets did not score a point until 1:41 remained when Rhaymi Porter knocked down a free throw, but Boyle splashed a three on the next possession to keep AIC within 37-32 at the final quarter break.
Both offenses reactivated early in the fourth, with Bennett striking first and Adelphi building to a 44-36 lead. AIC kept scoring, but the Panthers pulled ahead 50-41 with 3:08 to play. AIC continued to attack, and Reeves completed an and-one, followed by a regular three, to pull the Yellow Jackets within three with two minutes to play, forcing an Adelphi timeout. AIC was able to get within one, but not tie the game, as the Panthers held on for the 53-50 victory after AIC's final two shots missed.
Boyle led AIC with 15 points, while Bennett posted another double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals as well. Reeves scored 12 points, while Porter grabbed 10 rebounds and three helpers.
AIC returns to play Saturday, February 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the University of New Haven.
