SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - The American International College women's basketball team erased a 10-point halftime deficit but ultimately fell 64-60 to No. 19 Bentley University in Northeast 10 Conference play on Wednesday, February 12.

AIC is now 15-7 overall and 9-5 in the NE10.

The Yellow Jackets took an early lead thanks to four points by Keyvanna Bennett, and their advantage was as much as five near the midpoint of the frame after a Peyton Grant layup that Bennett set up in the paint.

However, the Falcons came back, and the lead changed hands five times in the final two minutes, with Tia-Marie Martinez splashing a three and then setting up Bennett on AIC possessions that were countered with three straight Bentley scores. At the first break, Bentley led 20-19.

The lead swapping continued into the second, with Alicia Aznar Chamorro and Martinez scoring to flip AIC on top, and Ruzgar Christina Boyle added to AIC's lead with a make from Martinez at 3:03.

However, over the next five minutes, the Falcons went on a tear, scoring 13 straight to build a nine-point edge, and AIC's only field goal in the final 6:57 was a Reeves buzzer-beater breakaway that had the Yellow Jackets down 39-29 at the half.

Bentley started the scoring in the third, but Bennett, Reeves, and Martinez chipped away, and after Chamorro scored in the paint with 3:24 to play in the frame, AIC had outscored the Falcons 17-4 in the half. Bentley immediately answered with a three to tie, but after 30 minutes led only by a 49-48 margin.

In the fourth, both teams battled hard, with free throws frequent in the early going. The Falcons were never able to pull away, but AIC could not get the score tied back up, ultimately falling 64-60.

Bennett had a game-best 20 points, while Martinez scored 15 and Reeves 14. Martinez had a particularly impressive stat line; in addition to double digit points, she snared four rebounds, dished four assists, made a block, and stole the ball five times against just one turnover in over 35 minutes of play.

AIC will next visit Southern Connecticut State University for a crucial NE10 matchup on Saturday, February 14 at 1:30 p.m.