• Box Score

OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. (Dec. 17, 2011) - Senior Cierra Baker (Windsor, Conn.) tallied her second career triple-double with a team-best 12 points, and game-high 10 rebounds and 10 assists to lead NYIT women's basketball to a 66-58 win over Bellarmine University Saturday afternoon at Recreation Hall. Baker registered her first career triple-double last season with 26 points, 10 assists and 17 rebounds against Mercy on Feb. 23, 2011.

"When we completely buy into the true team concept, we are destined to do great things," said head coach Anthony Crocitto. "Cierra Baker is a fantastic player, who carried us today on so many levels."

Baker also had seven steals in the outing for a near quadruple-double. Also posting double-digit points for the Bears (5-4) were juniors Rebecca Lynch (Hillsdale, N.J.) and Nikki Jo Rotolo (Rome, N.Y.). Each had 11 points. 

"Our rookies stepped up today to help us stay ahead in the first half," added Crocitto. "And, I cannot say enough about our team's defense. When we defend like that, and give up less than 60 points, we win."

The first half rested in the hands of free throw shooting. The Bears shot 75% compared to the Knights 33.3%, which allowed NYIT to keep the game within arms reach. Bellarmine quickly jumped to a nine point lead 11-2 in the first four minutes, but NYIT fought back and with a pair of free throws by Rotolo the Bears knotted the score 14-14 with 10:02 to play. The half was tied twice more with the lead exchanging seven times. The Bears did claim a small two point lead 22-20 on a three-pointer by Chloe Johnson (Sea Cliff, N.Y.) but back-to-back treys by the Knights gave Bellarmine a 26-22 edge with 3:13 remaining. That was the largest lead Bellarmine would gain as NYIT fought back to knot the score 26-26 on a layup by Baker. The Bears headed into the locker room with a 32-29 edge after a buzzer beating jumper by Alexandra Venuto (Ossining, N.Y.).

The Bears picked up right where they left off and jumped to a four point lead 40-36 on a jumper by Demitra Apergis (Littleton, Colo.). However, the Knights fought back to knot the score 45-45 and claim a one point edge, 46-45 on free throws by Therese Montano. Yet, NYIT compiled a 12-0 run to grab a 57-46 advantage. The rally began with a jumper by Apergis at 8:34 and was fueled on baskets by Baker, Lynch, Rotolo, Chantel Diaz (West Covina, Calif.) and Ana Komnenovic (Belgrade, Serbia). Although Belleramine was able to chip away at the lead with points from Kylie Brady, Kelsey Lamb and Allison Matheis, NYIT held on for the 66-58 victory.

The Knights were led by Brady and Matheis, who each tallied a game-high 14 points. 

NYIT returns to action on Thursday, Dec. 29 on the road at Assumption. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.