Ravens Win Televised Game at Bentley, 77-73

by AJ Berube
edited by Casey Williams

The Women’s Basketball team had a successful road victory last weekend as they defeated Bentley University 77-73 in a televised game on NESN and the CBS Sports Network.

Coming off a disappointing loss to Merrimack at home in their last game that ended their undefeated streak, the Ravens had a dominating first half, going back to the locker room with a 20-point lead.

Franklin Pierce Womens Basketball Team defeated Bentely on live television. Photo: Franklin Pierce Athletics

Johannah Leedham had five steals in the first half, finishing with eight while scoring a game-high 29 points.  She also had five assists and 11 rebounds, giving the senior a double-double.  Her performance earned the standout her seventh Northeast-10 Conference player of the week honor on the season.

Leedham said, “I think we showed great character and heart as we were able to pull the win out against a great team, on their home floor in a very hostile environment.”

Turnovers were a major issue for the Falcons in the first half, drawing fouls and providing numerous fast break scoring opportunities for the Ravens.  Bentley sent Leedham to the line for 19 total free throw attempts, 16 of which she made.   In total, the Ravens converted 16 steals on the game, and managed to hold Bentley to 32-percent shooting from the field for the entire game.

Having ended the half down by 20, Bentley came out of the locker room on fire, with a second-half game plan focusing on cutting down on turnovers.  Led by Junior Guard Kim Brennan, the team cut the deficit to single-digits, and looked as if they might have been about to take the lead midway through the second half.  Brennan ended the game with 18 points, six assists, four steals and seven rebounds.

Leedham said, “I think we played a great first half as a team and our defense was excellent, but the second half was a bit disappointing.”

The Ravens, however,  made the 20-point halftime lead just enough, as they hung on to win the contest by three.

On a whole for the Ravens, point guard Cynthia Gaudet led the way in the assist category with eight.  She also had ten points and three steals.  Junior Tori Ahrens chipped in with a solid 15 points while also taking in five rebounds.  Senior Kristen Doldoorian also added ten points coming off the bench.

Having clinched the Northeast-10 Conference last week, the Ravens will play their final game regular season game Wednesday against Umass Lowell, before hosting the Northeast-10 Conference Tournament.  Wednesday night is also Senior Night, with a special presentation preempting the game at 5:20 pm.  Tip-off is 5:30 pm in the Fieldhouse.