MANCHESTER, N.H. (Nov. 12, 2010) - Junior Cierra Baker (Windsor, Conn.) tied the game-high 14 points as NYIT women's basketball lost its 2010-2011 season opener on the road at Saint Anselm's Friday night. 

 

"We certainly played very hard, but shooting one for ten from the foul line will hurt any team in any half," said second year head coach Anthony Crocitto. "The program showed promise and progress, but our collectivity as a team must improve if we are to improve."

 

Baker went 3-for-7 from the field and was 8-for-12 at the free throw line, while pulling down seven rebounds. Freshman guard Alexandra Venuto (Ossining, N.Y.) added nine points for the Bears, all from behind the arc. 

 

NYIT was first to put points on the scoreboard as Baker nailed a layup. Points were exchanged during the first five minutes with the score tied twice and the Bears holding the advantage on two occasions. Saint Anselm earned a 6-5 edge but a foul sent Baker to the charity stripe were she knotted the score, 6-6. However, that was all the Bears were able to score as the Hawks jumped to a 21-6 halftime lead and held the Bears to 9.1 percent shooting in the period. 

 

The second half started much like the first half ended. Saint Anselm pushed to a 31 point lead at 46-15 with 8:45 remaining. NYIT then used full-court defense down the stretch to try and cut into the lead and managed to get the margin down to 22 points at 49-27 with just under four minute remaining.  Yet, that was the closest the Bears would able to get as Megan Howard made a layup for the final score of 57-33.

 

Howard led the game with 16 rebounds and had 12 points, and Briana Jones scored a game-best 14 points.

 

The Bears return to action at home on Tuesday, Nov. 16 against the Eagles of Post University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Recreation Hall.