OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. (Jan. 27, 2011) – Senior Alexis Tyson (North Babylon, N.Y.) compiled a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double to lead NYIT women’s basketball to a 60-56 victory over Dowling College Thursday night in East Coast Conference action.

 

“This win was fantastic,” said head coach Anthony Crocitto. “It shows we are improving at the right time and our hard work is paying dividends. Alexis was a warrior and leader.”

 

Tyson was one of three Bears (6-11, 4-8 ECC) to post double-figures as NYIT picked up its fourth conference win thus far. Sophomore Rebecca Lynch (Hillsdale, N.J.) and freshman Demitra Apergis (Littleton, Colo.) added 16 and 10 points, respectively, while junior Cierra Baker (Windsor, Conn.) grabbed 11 rebounds.

 

“I am just constantly impressed with the development of Rebecca,” said Crocitto. “She does it on both ends, consistently guarding the other team’s best.”

 

The Golden Lions controlled the scoreboard for 13 minutes in the first half as they claimed an eight-point advantage, 17-9, on a three-pointer from Hannah Krueger. From there NYIT held Dowling scoreless as it chipped away at the lead and grabbed control of the scoreboard, 29-20. The Bears produced a 19-3 rally sparked by a jumper from Tyson at 11:04 and culminated on a three-pointer from Lynch. NYIT held a 29-24 advantage heading into the break.

 

NYIT never relinquish its lead and pushed to a 10-point spread, 40-30, with 15:12 on the clock. The closest Dowling was able to get was within three points on four occasions. With 30 seconds remaining Julia Koppl made the deficit, 57-54, but she later fouled and sent Baker to the charity stripe. Baker scored her two points in the contest to put their Bears up by five with 28 seconds remaining. NYIT would go on to win 60-56 on a free throw from junior Denise Crawford (Roosevelt, N.Y.).

 

For Dowling, Connie Simmons tied the game-high 20 points, while Sarah Schicher added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

 

NYIT returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 29 on the road at Mercy College. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.