Rivier's Lyric Grumblatt, shown earlier in the season, had 28 points for the Raiders in a losing cause vs. Emmanuel on Wednesday night. (Photo courtesy of Rivier University)

NASHUA — The Rivier University men’s basketball team fell short this evening to Emmanuel College, 81-72, in conference action after a late game run to tie it up with five minutes to go.

It was a tough night for Raider basketball at the Muldoon Fitness Center as the Raider women also fell to the Saints, 90-70. On the bright side, the Raider women’s hockey team tied New England College, 1-1 in Henniker behind a 60 save effort from goalie Rachel Hinkley.

Mile Gillette finished with a team high 17 points along with 13 rebounds. Josef Buford would have another solid game for the Raiders with 14 points and five rebounds.

After a tightly contested first half that saw four lead changes and ended in the Saints favor 35-34. Emmanuel (12-4, 8-2 GNAC) quickly jumped out to their biggest lead in the second of 12 points by the 12:20 mark.

The Raiders (6-11, 2-8 GNAC) didn’t go away easily, clawing their way back into the game and tying it up 64-64 with five minutes left to go. But, unfortunately, the Saints would go on another run that would seal it for them on the road.

Donte Pope ended the game for the Saints with a game high 20 points to go along with 14 boards. Bryant Ciccio would be right behind him with 16 points of his own to aid in his team’s winning effort.

The Raiders will be back on the court Saturday at home against Norwich University in conference action at 1 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

EMMANUEL 90, RIVIER 70

The Saints jumped out to a lead early and never let it go. A big third quarter saw Emmanuel extend their lead as they outscored the Raiders 27-13. They hit their largest lead in the fourth at 28 points.

The story for Rivier (6-9, 2-6 GNAC) was sophomore Lyric Grumblatt of Manchester, who had another big game for the Raiders. Grumblatt finished with a game high 28 points, along with seven boards and four assists. Alexa Dufries was their second highest scorer with 11.

The Saints (14-1, 9-0 GNAC)again shared the ball very well, racking up 26 assists and had 11 players put up points. Riley Lahiff had the team high of 14 points. Korie Mathis was just behind her with 13.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

RIVIER 1, NE COLLEGE 1

Both teams would score their only goals in the first period. The Pilgrims would get the scoring started at the 4:34 mark on an Emily Lenzen goal.

The Raiders Briana Paxson (Eagle River, AK) would knot it up at one all 11:14 into the period.

Rivier (1-10-2) will next be at Nichols College next Tuesday, Feb. 1.

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