Josef Buford had 29 points to lead Rivier to its first home win on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Rivier University)

NASHUA — Sunday was a good day for Rivier University basketball.

The Rivier men cruised past the Lesley University Lynx in the Muldoon in non-conference action, while the Raider women rolled past Fitchburg State in the Wesleyan Tip-Off Tournament.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

RIVIER 78, LESLEY 57

The Raiders looked hungry for their first home win as they built up an eleven-point lead on the Lynx at halftime. Josef Buford had the hot hand today, contributing a game-high 29 points on an efficient 10-14 from the field. Buford’s defensive prowess translated well to the second half as Goffstown’s Robenson Baguidy gathered two consecutive steals, pushing the Raider lead to a game-high 21 points, which stuck around. Buford helped Nesta Roberts (Manchester, CT) clean the glass this afternoon, each providing 6 of the Raiders’ total 44 rebounds. 

Despite falling short, Hezekiah Brown led the way for the Lynx today, putting up 15 points and four rebounds. Lesley shot roughly 31% from the three-point line (10-32) in the contest. 

Riv shot 61.1% from the free throw line (11-18), and Lesley had a free throw shooting percentage of 64.3% (9-14). 

Rivier will visit New England College in non-conference play this Tuesday at 5 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

RIVIER 95, FITCHBURG STATE 65

The Raiders jumped out to a 26-18 lead after the first quarter. The Falcons would find a groove in the second, putting up 20 points to Riv’s ten. The Raiders second half seemed that they couldn’t miss as they put up 37 points in the third quarter, following that up with another 22 points in the fourth. Fitchburg only managed to score 27 points in the half. 

 Lyric Grumblatt went off for 33 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists. Weare’s Anna Stenger added 21 points of her own, falling just short of a double-double with nine rebounds.

Nashua’s Hannah Muchemore and Rachel Guinn (Clinton, Mass.) both added 13 points each. Muchemore also contributed seven boards, seven assists, and six steals.