PROVIDENCE, RI– The two teams predicted to win their respective divisions in the GNAC squared off Tuesday night. Poor shooting by Johnson & Wales University in the second half allowed Saint Joseph's College to come away with a 62-44 victory.

Records:
Saint Joseph's: 10-2, 4-0 GNAC
Johnson & Wales: 6-6, 1-2 GNAC

Statistical Leaders:
Ashley Thompson (JWU): 16 points, 8 rebounds
Raquel Pederzani (JWU): 10 points, 5 assists
Kelsi McNamara (SJM): 18 points, 9 assists

Of Note:
Johnson & Wales took a 30-26 lead into the locker room and Ashley Thompson (Bellingham, Mass.) knocked down a jumper at the 5:24 mark of the third period to put JWU up 34-32. Unfortunately, the Wildcats wouldn't make another basket until Raquel Pederzani (Coventry, RI) hit a three pointer with 11 seconds left in the frame.

During that time, the Monks built a 43-34 lead as part of a 20-3 run. Kelsi McNamara sank two free throws at the 6:20 mark to give the visitors a 52-37 advantage.

Cold shooting in the second half did in the Wildcats as the hit only 21.4 percent in the final 20 minutes for an overall rate of 29.1 percent (16-of-55). Conversely, the Monks shot 43.8 percent (21-of-48) thanks to a 55 percent rate in the second half.

Leading the Wildcats offense was Thompson as she posted a team-high 16 points and grabbed eight boards. Pederzani was next at 10 markers while dishing out five assists.

McNamara led all players with 18 points and just missed a double-double with nine assists. Emily Benway added 14 points and seven rebounds while Hannah Marks came off the bench for eight points and seven rebounds.

Up Next:                              
Saint Joseph's returns to action Thursday with a GNAC contest at Mount Ida College (7:00 p.m.). The Wildcats continue their four-game home stand on Saturday when they take on Albertus Magnus at 1 p.m.

COURTESY OF JWU SPORTS INFORMATION

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Saint Joseph's College is Maine's only Catholic liberal arts college, providing a supportive, personalized and career-focused education for more than 100 years. From its 474-acre campus on the shores of Sebago Lake, the College offers more than 40 undergraduate programs to a population of approximately 1,000 students. Saint Joseph's College Online provides certificates, undergraduate and advanced degrees for working adults through an online learning program. For more, visit www.sjcme.edu.