Women’s Basketball failed to get the win with a 25-48 loss against Rider in Saturday afternoon’s contest at Alumni Gym in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
Monmouth won the tip-off and scored the first basket of the game. From here, Rider took over and went on a 7-0 run.
In the first quarter of Saturday’s matchup, the Hawks’ shot 4-of-17 or 23.53 percent, while Rider shot 5-of-17 or 29.41 percent. By the end of the quarter, Rider led by a score of 12-10.
Monmouth shot 1-16 from the field in the second quarter, although they still held onto their tough defense. At halftime, Monmouth trailed 23-14.
In the first half, Senior guard Akilah Jennings led the Hawks’ in scoring with six points. Senior forward Alexa Middleton led the first half in rebounds with five for Monmouth.
With 7:38 on the clock in the third quarter, Monmouth was forced to call a timeout following a 6-0 Broncs run. Rider went on another 6-0 run to close out the third quarter. Going into the fourth quarter, Monmouth was behind 40-19.
In the fourth, the Hawks were outshot 8-6, which concluded in the loss.
“I thought we actually generated some pretty quality shots. We had a number of missed layups and free throws today,” said Head Coach Jody Craig. “It’s unfortunate that for whatever reason, we’re just not finishing the play.”
After securing seven rebounds in the contest, Middleton moved to third all-time with 811 career rebounds. She also put up five points and in 11 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) games, she is averaging 11.6 points and 10.1 rebounds.
Jennings led the Hawk’s with 11 total points, three field goals and five free throws. She also had six rebounds on the day. Freshman forward Saule Kaupyte also matched her season high with nine rebounds.
The loss puts Monmouth at 5-15 and 2-9 in the MAAC this season.
“You have to play through whatever adversity is presented,” said Craig. “We have to play like winners regardless of the circumstances. When things didn’t go well, we fought all the way through. We need to continue having that mentality.”
The Hawks’ lead the all-time series 29-19, but the Broncs have won the last six of seven meetings.
Monmouth returns home to West Long Branch to face Quinnipiac on Thursday. The tip-off is set for 11:30 a.m. The Bobcats hold a 30-17 all-time series lead, with a 61-53 win earlier this season.
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth Athletics
