Boston, Mass. - The Norwich University Cadets (17-6, 9-2 GNAC) used a monster second half scoring 46 points to top the Suffolk University Rams (14-10, 7-4 GNAC) in Great Northeast Athletic Conference Women's Basketball action on Wednesday evening by a score of 80-54. Norwich had four players reach double digits in point totals, led by senior Erica Rate (Weymouth, Mass.) who shot 5-for-10 from three point land to lead all scorers with 17 on the night.
The final score did not indicate how well the Rams played in the first. Going into the break the game was tight with Norwich taking a 34-32 edge into the half. Suffolk was able to put together a 14-2 run in the final five minutes of the opening half to even the game at 32 before Norwich junior Christine Daniels (Concord, N.H.) hit a jumper with five seconds remaining to give the Cadets the two point edge heading into the break.
Freshman Jacqueline Vienneau (Salem, N.H.) finished the game with a team-high 13 points, including connecting on three shots from beyond the arc. Freshman Emily Forzano (Beacon, N.Y.) played a strong first half for the Rams as she scored all nine of her points in the first half.
Daniels finished the game for Norwich posting a double-double finishing with 16 points and 11 boards. Senior Natalie Marchese (Rutland, Vt.) had 15 points, while senior Ally Daniels (Concord, N.H.) finished with 10 points. Norwich shot 43.2 percent from the field in the second half, including 54.5 percent from three-point land as their offense would not relent.
Sophomore Mary Garon (Auburn, N.H.) played solid for Suffolk scoring eight points off the bench to go along with five blocked shots, three assists and three rebounds. Sophomore Meghan Black (Roslindale, Mass.) also put in eight points for the Rams with five blocks to go along with seven rebounds. Senior Laura Thompson (Kennebunk, Me.) was 4-for-6 from the field for the Rams for eight points.
Norwich held the advantage in rebounds in the contest, with a 55-44 edge.
Both teams will complete their 2009-10 regular seasons on Saturday as they both continue with Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action. Norwich will host Emerson College at 3:00pm while Suffolk will host Albertus Magnus College at 1:00pm.